Hearty & Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

Embrace the warmth of classic comfort food with this incredibly easy and hearty hamburger soup recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this satisfying meal is budget-friendly and packed with flavor. It’s a versatile dish that comes together quickly and makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

This simple hamburger soup recipe is a family favorite for many reasons:

Quick and Simple: Prepare a delicious meal in under 40 minutes.
Hearty and Filling: Loaded with lean ground beef and nutritious vegetables, just like a hearty Christmas lima bean soup.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable pantry staples.
Amazing Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for batch cooking and future meals.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

Making this delicious hamburger soup recipe requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand. Gather these essentials to create a comforting and flavorful pot of soup:

1 pound lean ground beef: The star of our soup, providing a rich, savory base.
1 onion (diced): Adds aromatic sweetness.
2 cloves garlic (minced): For a fragrant boost of flavor.
2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced): Hearty starch that makes the soup filling.
3 ½ cups beef broth: The liquid base for the soup.
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices, 1 can): Adds tangy depth.
10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can): Enhances the tomato flavor and provides body.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for umami richness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for classic savory notes.
1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle aromatic complexity.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh chopped): Adds color, texture, and nutrition.

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adapt these ingredients based on what you have. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adjust the amount of beef broth to achieve your preferred soup consistency. If you don’t have condensed tomato soup, use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with 1 cup of water. Swap in any fresh or frozen vegetables you enjoy, such as corn, green beans, or carrots. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work wonderfully in this hearty dish.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this flavorful hamburger soup. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick:

Large pot or Dutch oven: For browning the meat and simmering the soup.
Cutting board: To prep your vegetables safely.
Sharp knife: Essential for dicing the onion, garlic, and potatoes.
Ladle: For serving up your delicious creation.

Instructions

This easy hamburger soup recipe comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect bowl of comfort every time.

Brown Meat: Place your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, and the onion is softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Drain Fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step is crucial for a less greasy and more flavorful hamburger soup. You can use a spoon to scoop out the fat or carefully tip the pot to pour it into a heat-safe container.
Add Liquids & Seasonings: Return the pot to the stove. Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your hamburger soup simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the potatoes to begin softening and the flavors to meld.
Add Vegetables: Remove the lid and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. If using fresh chopped vegetables, ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Until Tender: Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. Cook until the potatoes and vegetables are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season to Taste: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust any other seasonings to your preference before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results with your hamburger soup by following these simple tips.

Ensure the ground beef is completely browned before adding liquids; this builds flavor.
Don’t overcook the potatoes early on, or they might turn mushy later.
Always taste and adjust seasonings, like salt and pepper, throughout the cooking process.
Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the overall saltiness of your soup.
For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply stir in a bit more beef broth or water.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile hamburger soup is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup piping hot with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great companion.
Top individual bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate: Store any leftover hamburger soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Divide cooled soup into individual, freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

According to the USDA, following safe handling practices for ground beef is crucial to prevent foodborne illness.

Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm in the microwave until hot.

Variations

Add Pasta: For an even heartier meal, stir in 1 cup of cooked macaroni or small pasta during the last few minutes of simmering, or cook separately and add to individual bowls.
Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutrition by adding shredded cabbage, corn, green beans, or zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the very end for a richer, creamier soup.

Nutrition Information

This estimate is for one serving of this delicious hamburger soup recipe.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	280-320
Protein	20-25g
Fat	10-15g
Carbs	25-30g
Fiber	4-6g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.

What kind of ground beef is best?
Lean ground beef (85-90% lean) is ideal for this hamburger soup. It provides great flavor without too much grease, reducing the need to drain excess fat.

To understand more about the nutritional benefits of different beef cuts, including lean options, you can consult resources from credible organizations.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic hamburger soup for using up vegetables. Consider adding chopped carrots, celery, green beans, or corn.

How do I make the soup thicker/thinner?
For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner soup, stir in more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it’s very freezer-friendly! Cool the soup completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Conclusion

This hearty and easy hamburger soup recipe is truly a weeknight hero, bringing warmth and flavor to your family table with minimal effort. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. With its delicious taste and incredible versatility, we are confident this comforting bowl will quickly become your next favorite homemade meal. Give it a try tonight!