Hamburger Soup Recipe

The Heartiest Hamburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Crafting a hearty hamburger soup brings comfort to chilly evenings and warm conversations around the table.

Our kitchen adventure begins with simple ingredients that promise maximum flavor.

Meaty chunks swim alongside tender vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

Memories of home-cooked meals flood back with each spoonful of this classic dish.

Rustic and satisfying, this recipe delivers pure culinary joy without complicated techniques.

Seasoned with love and easy to prepare, you’ll want to make this soup again and again.

Gather your pot and let deliciousness simmer!

How To Make Hamburger Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef

In a roomy cooking pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in ground beef, chopped onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Break up the beef while cooking until it turns a rich brown color and no pink remains. Pour out any extra grease from the pot.

Step 2: Create Soup Base

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Chopped potatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Vegetables

Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should become soft and the flavors should blend beautifully.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper levels to suit your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hearty soup into bowls. For extra deliciousness, sprinkle some Parmesan or shredded cheese on top before serving.

Helpful Tips For Hamburger Soup

  • Drain Excess Fat: Remove any visible grease after browning beef to keep the soup lighter and prevent an oily texture.
  • Veggie Boost: Customize the frozen mixed vegetables based on personal preference or seasonal availability for added nutrition and variety.
  • Potato Perfect: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, adding small amounts of salt and pepper to build layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Cheese Topping Trick: Grate fresh Parmesan or cheese directly over the hot soup to create a melty, flavorful garnish that enhances the overall taste profile.

Fun Variations Of Hamburger Soup

  • Veggie Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower chunks or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the soup's robust flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mexican Spin: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to transform the classic hamburger soup into a zesty southwestern-style meal.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What To Pair With Hamburger Soup

  • Pair Perfectly with Hearty Companions
  • Rustic Bread Dunking: Grab a thick slice of crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
  • Crisp Green Salad Contrast: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Robust Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the beef's deep, meaty essence and enhance the soup's warmth.

How To Store Hamburger Soup For Later

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Hamburger Soup

  • What are the key ingredients that make this hamburger soup hearty and filling?

Ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and beef broth create a robust and satisfying soup that provides a complete meal in one pot, packed with protein and nutrients.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, the soup has mild flavors and includes vegetables kids typically enjoy like potatoes and mixed vegetables. The ground beef makes it familiar and appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat more vegetables.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Why Hamburger Soup Is So Satisfying

  • Craft a Hearty One-Pot Wonder: This hamburger soup combines all the comfort of a classic meal in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you precious kitchen time.
  • Boost Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome potatoes, this soup delivers a complete balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
  • Create Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors and filling nature of this soup, making it a perfect dinner option that pleases everyone at the table without complicated ingredients or techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or top with cheese to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Use For Hamburger Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting soup.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a rich and flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and thickness to the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Bring a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic, Celery: Create a flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory umami element to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's flavors.
Vegetables and Optional Toppings:
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Add nutritional variety and color to the soup.
  • Tomato Sauce: Helps to thicken and enrich the soup's base.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Shredded Cheese: Optional toppings that provide extra richness and flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the initial ingredients and adding a subtle richness.
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Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger soup brings robust flavors straight from midwestern kitchens to your dinner table. Home cooks will discover a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for chilly evenings that satisfies hunger with simple, wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
  • 5 cups (1.2 liters) beef broth
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 3 cups (450 grams) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, and carrots mix)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 stalk celery (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic until meat browns completely, crumbling protein during cooking. Eliminate excess grease from pot.
  2. Incorporate diced potatoes, beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Elevate to gentle simmer and cook approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Introduce frozen mixed vegetables into the pot. Continue simmering for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach tenderness and flavors integrate thoroughly.
  4. Evaluate soup’s seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper according to personal preference.
  5. Transfer soup into serving bowls. Enhance with optional Parmesan or shredded cheese garnish for additional depth of flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, low-fat alternative that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
  • Let the soup simmer slowly to develop deeper, richer flavors and allow ingredients to meld together perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 266 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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