Get ready to fall head over heels for the Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup! This hearty, flavor-packed bowl of comfort is loaded with tender ground beef, vibrant veggies, a swirl of Italian spices, and a touch of smoky paprika, all simmered gently in your slow cooker for hours. The result? A dreamy, rich, and filling soup that’s just the thing for busy weeknights, crisp fall evenings, or anytime you’re craving a cozy classic. If you love robust flavors and easy homemade dinners, this soup will absolutely knock your socks off with every spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible soup. Each component adds its own little magic, from texture and body to warmth and color. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve that signature Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup goodness:
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor as the base of the soup—feel free to sub with turkey or plant-based meat if you like.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the whole pot.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends that unmistakable savory boost.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): Makes everything satisfying and savory—the foundation for all those flavors to mingle.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds a bright, slightly tangy taste with a pop of color.
- Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Provides creaminess and extra protein.
- Corn (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Delivers sweetness, color, and juicy bursts in every bite.
- Carrots (1 cup, sliced): For a gentle sweetness and beautiful color.
- Celery (1 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and classic soup flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the soup with aromatic herbs for an inviting flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A delicious smoky undertone you’ll love.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick, so use as much (or little) as you crave.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors and enhances every bite—season to your liking.
- Elbow Macaroni (1 cup): Tossed in near the end for that beloved, homey texture you’ll crave in every bowl.
How to Make Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked—this step builds a deep, savory flavor right from the get-go. Once the meat is nearly done, sprinkle in the chopped onion and garlic and keep sautéing everything together for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll love how the kitchen suddenly smells incredible!
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Take that fragrant beef, onion, and garlic mixture and transfer it straight into your crock pot. Next, pile in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, kidney beans, drained corn, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy!), plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a hearty stir to mix the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Everything Melds Together
Pop the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow and gentle simmer allows all the flavors to blend and mingle, so you end up with that signature “Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup” taste—hearty, savory, and absolutely delicious.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
About 30 minutes before you’re planning to serve, stir in the elbow macaroni. This gives the pasta time to become perfectly al dente without turning mushy, soaking up all those savory juices. While it cooks, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little more salt or a pinch of black pepper is just what you need to send it over the top!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the macaroni is tender, your Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup is ready for the spotlight. Ladle out generous bowls for everyone at the table, and watch the smiles erupt as the cozy aroma fills the room. Don’t forget to grab your favorite garnishes and sides to really make dinner pop!
How to Serve Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup
Garnishes
Dress up each bowl with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley, or a swirl of grated Parmesan if you like a cheesy finish. Feeling a little spicy? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or maybe even a drizzle of hot sauce for a subtle zing. The colorful toppings add a burst of freshness and bring every bowl of your Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup to life!
Side Dishes
Pair this piping-hot soup with a buttered slice of crusty bread or a garlic breadstick for dunking—nothing beats sopping up those last amazing spoonfuls. For a lighter plate, a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette works beautifully alongside, or go “souper” classic with crackers on the side for a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving your Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup in bread bowls for impressive presentation (and an edible dish!). You can also ladle it into individual mugs for a cozy, “grab-and-go” meal by the fireplace. Top with a dollop of sour cream or scatter crunchy tortilla strips for a fun, festive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors only get richer with time. Perfect when you want a quick and hearty lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
This soup is a true freezer hero! Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. For best results, consider freezing without the macaroni; just add fresh pasta when you reheat for the ultimate texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water until you reach your perfect consistency. If you prepped ahead and froze without pasta, now’s the time to stir in freshly cooked elbow macaroni so every bowl is just right!
FAQs
Can I make Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The soup still turns out just as hearty and satisfying.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free elbow macaroni. Just watch it carefully when added to the crock pot near the end—gluten-free pasta can soften quickly, so check for your preferred texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
You sure can! Extra bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or green beans all meld beautifully into Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup. Just chop and toss them in with the rest of the veggies.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re craving more of a kick, just up the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce along with the other ingredients. Let everyone garnish their own bowls with extra spice, too!
Is the pasta necessary?
The elbow macaroni gives the soup its classic, cozy feel, but you can absolutely skip it for a low-carb version, or swap it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a lighter twist.
Final Thoughts
This Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that brings everyone together around the table. With big, bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth comfort in every bowl, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and see how fast it disappears—your socks won’t be the only thing knocked off!
Print
Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Knock Your Socks Off Crock Pot Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is easy to make and will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (added near end of cooking)
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot. Add broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, carrots, celery, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Macaroni: 30 minutes before serving, stir in macaroni. Continue cooking until pasta is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- For a low-carb version, omit the pasta or replace it with chopped zucchini.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
