Hearty & Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

Warm up with a bowl of comforting hamburger soup! This delicious, hearty recipe is a true family favorite, combining wholesome ingredients into one simple pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering incredible flavor without a lot of fuss. You’ll learn how to create a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will ask for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this comforting hamburger soup for many fantastic reasons:

• Simple & Wholesome: It’s a complete meal in one pot, packed with vegetables and protein.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
• Deliciously Comforting: The rich broth and tender ingredients make it incredibly satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this classic, hearty dish.
• Quick Prep & Cook Time: Get a flavorful dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Hearty Hamburger Soup

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 ½ cups beef broth
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can)
• 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh chopped vegetables)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of the ingredients for your delicious hamburger soup. For ground beef, choose lean varieties (90/10 or 85/15) to minimize fat, or use a higher fat content and drain thoroughly. For more comprehensive guidelines on safe handling and cooking, refer to the USDA’s recommendations for ground beef. Russet potatoes provide a classic starchy texture, but red or Yukon gold work well for a slightly firmer bite. Feel free to use fresh chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and corn instead of frozen mixed vegetables. If you are out of beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth make good substitutes, though they alter the flavor profile slightly. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder for an extra kick.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful hamburger soup:

• A large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot (5-quart or larger works best).
• A cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing vegetables.
• A wooden spoon or spatula for browning meat and stirring.

How to Make Hamburger Soup (Step-by-Step)

Creating this hearty hamburger soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect pot every time:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by dicing your onion, mincing your garlic, and peeling and dicing your potatoes. Have all other ingredients measured and ready to go. This makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
2. Brown Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic: Place your large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with your wooden spoon. Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is completely browned and no pink remains. The onions should be softened and translucent, and the garlic fragrant. This step builds a foundational flavor for your hamburger soup.
3. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully tilt the pot and use your wooden spoon or a ladle to drain any excess fat. Removing the fat prevents the soup from becoming greasy. Discard the fat responsibly, not down the drain.
4. Add Potatoes, Broth, Tomatoes, and Tomato Soup: Return the pot to the stove. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, the entire can of undrained diced tomatoes, and the condensed tomato soup. Stir everything together gently to combine.
5. Stir in Worcestershire, Italian Seasoning, and Bay Leaf: Now, enhance the flavor profile. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf to the pot. These ingredients contribute depth and warmth to the soup.
6. Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer Covered: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the potatoes to begin softening and the flavors to meld together.
7. Add Frozen Vegetables, Simmer Until Tender: After 10 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Replace the lid and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
8. Season with Salt and Pepper: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the hamburger soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

Achieve the best flavor and texture for your hamburger soup with these expert tips. Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the ground beef; work in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly, rather than steaming. Use a high-quality beef broth; it significantly impacts the overall taste of your soup. Remember to adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, tasting as you go, especially before serving. Letting the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld even further.

Troubleshooting: If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid, or mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken it.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious hamburger soup steaming hot! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping, or a side of saltine crackers. Garnish individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, or a generous dash of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness. For a complete meal, offer a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hamburger soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen! Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. This hamburger soup is also freezer-friendly; store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your hamburger soup! For extra heartiness, stir in a cup of cooked small pasta (like elbow macaroni or ditalini) or a half-cup of cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering. If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You can also include different bean varieties, such as kidney beans or cannellini beans, for added protein and fiber. To make it dairy-free, simply omit any cheese garnish. For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

Hamburger Soup Nutrition Information

This wholesome hamburger soup offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. A serving provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, essential vitamins from the vegetables, and energy from the potatoes. For a deeper dive into the overall health advantages of incorporating soup into your diet, explore the various benefits of this comforting dish. You can customize the nutrition by choosing leaner ground beef or adding more non-starchy vegetables. This recipe focuses on simple, unprocessed ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Soup

Can I make this hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, onion, and garlic as directed. Then, combine all ingredients (except frozen vegetables) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes.

How long does hamburger soup last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade hamburger soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What vegetables are best for hamburger soup?
Classic choices like potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, and peas create a hearty, comforting base that pairs perfectly with the ground beef. You can also add green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor, color, and nutrients in this versatile one-pot hamburger vegetable soup.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lighter substitute for ground beef in hamburger soup if you prefer a leaner option. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly in the pot and drain any excess fat before adding the broth and vegetables to keep the flavors balanced.

Conclusion

This hearty and easy hamburger soup recipe truly delivers on comfort and flavor with minimal effort. It’s a versatile dish perfect for any day of the week, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated. We encourage you to try this simple, satisfying recipe in your kitchen soon. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below!

A rich, one-pot hamburger soup that's packed with ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a tomato-based broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends — comforting, budget-friendly, and always a hit with the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh chopped veggies)

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot (5-quart or larger)
• Cutting Board
• Sharp knife
• wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Dice onion, mince garlic, and peel/dice potatoes. Measure remaining ingredients for efficient cooking.
2. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add onion and garlic. Cook until beef is fully browned and onion is soft.
3. Drain excess fat from the pot to reduce greasiness.
4. Add diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and condensed tomato soup. Stir to combine.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Cover and simmer for another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
8. Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. Red or Yukon gold potatoes add a firmer bite. Add chopped fresh vegetables in place of frozen if preferred. For more depth, try a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com