Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup is a comforting one-pot meal loaded with hearty vegetables, tender chunks of potato, and flavorful ground beef all simmered in a robust tomato-infused broth. Every spoonful warms your soul and fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas—it’s the classic family-friendly dish you’ll come back to all year long. With straightforward prep, simple ingredients, and a foolproof process, this bowl of goodness truly captures everything we love about cozy homemade soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for homemade Hamburger Soup, but each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor, color, or heartiness to the pot. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this tried-and-true recipe shine, and a little tip for each component!

• Olive oil: Use this for browning your beef and veggies—just enough to start everything off with rich, savory depth.
• Ground beef: The foundation of Hamburger Soup, giving it plenty of meaty bite—opt for lean if you like to keep it lighter.
• Onion: Dice it small so it practically melts into the base and infuses sweetness into every spoonful.
• Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that lifts the soup’s overall flavor.
• Garlic: Essential for that aromatic boost—don’t skip it, and mince finely for best results.
• Potatoes: Peeled and diced, they become soft but not mushy, making the soup wonderfully filling.
• Beef broth: The hearty liquid backbone—choose a good quality broth for richer flavor.
• Diced tomatoes with juice: Lends tang, color, and body; the juice helps deepen the soup’s tomato base.
• Tomato sauce: Gives the broth a velvety, savory texture and rounds out the tomato flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash for mysterious umami notes and complexity.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings a whiff of the Mediterranean to the mix, uniting every savory note.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste for that perfect, balanced finish.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: The classic corn, green bean, and carrot trio makes it extra colorful, easy, and satisfying.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, then let this mixture sauté for another couple of minutes. You’re aiming for the beef to be cooked through and the vegetables soft, giving your Hamburger Soup a deep, savory foundation.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Toss in the diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything evenly. The broth and tomato base will work together to tenderize the potatoes while infusing them with all those bold, beefy flavors. This is where the magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir the pot, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld, transforming the simple mixture into a homey, hearty soup.

Step 4: Add Frozen Vegetables

Pour in the frozen mixed vegetables, stir, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the veggies are just tender. They’ll add vibrant color and texture, and since they’re frozen, there’s no extra prep required. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—your Hamburger Soup is almost ready!

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Turn off the heat and ladle your Hamburger Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. The broth should be rich and tomatoey, the beef tender, and every spoonful packed with colorful vegetables and creamy potato bites. Now it’s time to sit back and savor!

How to Serve Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a bright pop of color and a hint of zippy flavor. For an extra cozy touch, you can also swirl in a dollop of sour cream or a little grated cheddar cheese—truly irresistible! A crack of fresh black pepper just before serving is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Pair your steaming bowl of Hamburger Soup with a hunk of crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even classic saltine crackers. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect contrast to the soup’s hearty richness, and is a great way to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hamburger Soup in big mugs for a casual, cozy vibe—perfect for chilly nights on the couch. For a family meal, ladle it into a big tureen and let everyone help themselves. If you want to get fancy, hollow out small bread bowls, toast them up, and pour in the piping hot soup for a fun and memorable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hamburger Soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it cool before transferring into airtight containers, and keep in mind the flavors mellow and meld as it sits, making leftovers even tastier. A quick stir before reheating ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer favorite! Allow it to cool completely before ladling into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leaving a little space for expansion). It will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

For stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring now and then until it’s hot throughout. For a single bowl, the microwave does the trick—just heat in bursts, stirring in between. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened up a bit in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hamburger Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner version that’s just as comforting. The flavors will be a bit lighter, but all the heartiness remains, so don’t hesitate to make that swap if you’re in the mood for a lighter meal.

What vegetables work best in Hamburger Soup?

Frozen mixed vegetables are a classic and super convenient, but feel free to customize! Fresh carrots, green beans, corn, peas, or even diced bell peppers all work beautifully. The goal is a colorful mix that cooks evenly and tastes great together.

Is Hamburger Soup gluten-free?

Yes, Hamburger Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.

Can I make Hamburger Soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown your beef, onions, celery, and garlic on the stovetop first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding frozen vegetables in the last 30-60 minutes so they retain color and texture.

How do I thicken or thin Hamburger Soup if needed?

If you’d like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the broth, or mash a few potato pieces right in the pot. If the soup gets too thick, simply stir in more broth or even a splash of water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

Warm, filling, and loaded with goodness, Hamburger Soup is a classic family recipe you’ll crave when you want something nourishing and easy. Grab your ingredients, put on your comfiest sweater, and treat yourself to a bowl of happiness—you’ll be ladling up second helpings in no time.

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