Hamburger Soup Recipe

Try Our Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe Today

When hunger strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty hamburger soup that blends comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

Ground beef creates a rich, savory base bursting with tender vegetables and robust seasonings.

Each bite delivers a warm embrace of meaty goodness and hearty ingredients.

The soup combines classic hamburger elements with a nutritious twist that makes dinnertime delightful.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot wonder comes together quickly and easily.

Nourishing and filling, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal everyone will love.

Warm up your evening with this delicious, satisfying recipe that promises to become a family favorite.

Why This Hamburger Soup Always Works

  • This hamburger soup delivers pure, warming comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal.
  • Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, frozen vegetables, and basic seasonings, you can create a restaurant-worthy soup that feels special and homemade.
  • Adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences by swapping vegetables, adjusting spices, or adding extra protein, making it incredibly versatile for different family tastes and nutritional needs.
  • Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal with loved ones.

What You Need for Hamburger Soup

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this comforting soup.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor enhancers add depth and richness to the soup's base.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide heartiness and texture to the soup.
  • Frozen Vegetables: A convenient mix that adds nutritional value and color to the dish.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Beef Broth: The savory liquid that creates the soup's base and adds rich flavor.
  • Tomato Soup: Adds a smooth, tangy element to the overall taste profile.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provide additional tomato flavor and texture to the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all ingredients.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami complexity to the soup.
  • Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that contribute brightness and aromatic notes.

How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef, onions, and garlic.

Break up the beef with a wooden spoon while cooking, creating delightful crumbles.

Cook until beef turns golden brown and onions become translucent, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Remove Excess Fat

Carefully drain away any extra grease from the cooked beef.

This simple step ensures your soup remains light and packed with clean, robust flavors without feeling greasy or heavy.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Chopped potatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato soup
  • Undrained diced tomatoes
  • Frozen mixed vegetables
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried basil

Stir everything together, watching colorful ingredients blend into a promising, hearty mixture.

Step 4: Slow Simmer Magic

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.

During this time, potatoes will soften, vegetables will cook perfectly, and flavors will mingle and develop a rich, comforting depth.

Step 5: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and season with salt as needed.

Every batch is unique, so trust your palate and adjust seasonings to create your perfect soup experience.

Smart Tips for a Flavorful Soup

  • Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much fat as possible from the ground beef, ensuring a lighter, less greasy soup texture.
  • Choose ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and juiciness in the soup.
  • Replace frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to customize the soup's nutritional profile and taste.
  • Add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste while browning beef to intensify the soup's umami and complexity.
  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and when reheating, add a little extra broth to maintain ideal consistency since potatoes absorb liquid during storage.

Storage and Warming Directions

  • Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pairing Ideas for Hamburger Soup

  • Savor Hearty Beef Companions
  • Elevate Rustic Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complements the rich beef flavors, cutting through the soup's heartiness with smooth tannins and deep berry undertones.
  • Pair Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve a warm, crusty sourdough or rustic country bread alongside the soup, allowing diners to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful textural contrast.
  • Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes to provide a light, refreshing balance to the soup's warm, meaty profile.
  • Enhance with Sharp Cheese: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or aged Parmesan on top of the soup, adding a salty, nutty dimension that intensifies the overall taste experience and provides a creamy finish.

Hamburger Soup Twists and Extras

  • Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the hamburger soup.
  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meatless option.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients like tomato soup and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free, making the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Boost: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's satisfying texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from ground beef, various vegetables providing essential vitamins, and potatoes offering complex carbohydrates. This hearty soup delivers a well-balanced meal in one pot.

  • Can I use different ground meats?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes. They’ll provide similar protein content and blend seamlessly with the soup’s flavors while creating a lighter version of the recipe.

  • How can I make the soup more filling?

Consider adding extra protein like beans or lentils. You could also increase the amount of potatoes or include additional vegetables to boost the soup’s heartiness and nutritional value.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Definitely! The mild flavors, soft textures, and colorful vegetables make this soup appealing to children. The small vegetable pieces and comforting taste typically win over younger eaters.

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Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Hearty hamburger soup delivers comfort in a bowl, packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich broth. Savory and satisfying, this one-pot wonder warms souls and brings family together with its delicious, home-style goodness you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) Yukon yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped into small 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bag (16 ounces / 454 grams) frozen mixed vegetables

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces / 411 grams each) beef broth
  • 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef and aromatics in a soup pot over medium-high heat at 375°F. Crumble meat while cooking with onions and garlic for 5-7 minutes until beef browns and onions soften, releasing rich savory fragrance.
  2. Drain accumulated grease from meat to prevent excessive oiliness and maintain clean flavor profile.
  3. Incorporate potatoes, beef broth, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and basil into the pot. Thoroughly mix ingredients to distribute evenly.
  4. Elevate mixture to boiling point, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors. Potatoes should become tender but maintain structural integrity.
  5. Evaluate soup’s seasoning, adjusting salt levels to personal preference. Ensure balanced flavor throughout the preparation.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup base.
  • Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that still provides hearty texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth and tomato soup are certified gluten-free and double-check all ingredient labels.
  • Boost protein content by adding a can of drained white beans or lentils during the simmering stage for extra nutrition and thickness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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