Hamburger Soup Recipe

The Zesty Hamburger Soup Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hearty hamburger soup bursts with comfort during chilly evenings, promising a warm embrace in every spoonful.

Savory ground beef mingles with tender vegetables, creating a robust meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Families adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together quickly in one pot.

Rich broth carries delightful chunks of meat and colorful vegetables, making each bite a delectable adventure.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a balanced meal that fills hungry bellies with pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinner challenges disappear with this straightforward recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up with anticipation.

Fun Ideas To Switch Up Hamburger Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Hamburger Soup: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a can of green chiles. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flair.
  • Hearty Mediterranean Hamburg Soup: Replace green beans with spinach, add crumbled feta cheese, and stir in dried oregano. Sprinkle with kalamata olives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for Mediterranean charm.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Hamburg Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Incorporate zucchini noodles for extra vegetable content and garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
  • Creamy Mushroom Hamburg Soup: Introduce sliced mushrooms during vegetable sautéing and blend in a splash of heavy cream near the end of cooking. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for an earthy, rich dimension.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Soup

  • What makes this hamburger soup different from other soups?

This soup combines classic hamburger ingredients like ground beef and seasonings into a hearty, comforting one-pot meal. It’s like enjoying a burger in soup form, packed with vegetables and rich flavors that make it more nutritious and satisfying than a traditional burger.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. The soup will maintain its delicious taste and texture while offering a healthier alternative to ground beef.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love this soup because it’s packed with familiar flavors and has a hearty, filling quality. The mix of tender beef, soft vegetables, and simple seasonings makes it appealing to children who might be picky eaters.

  • How nutritious is hamburger soup?

This soup is quite nutritious, offering a balanced mix of protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables like carrots and green beans, and complex carbohydrates from potatoes. It provides a well-rounded meal that supports overall nutrition in a delicious, easy-to-eat format.

What’s Great About Hamburger Soup

  • Whip Up Comfort in a Pot: This hamburger soup transforms ordinary ground beef into a heartwarming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, savory flavors.
  • Conquer Weeknight Dinner Stress: With just one pot and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying dinner.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse in a Bowl: Packed with lean protein from beef, colorful vegetables, and hearty potatoes, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone feeling full and energized.
  • Budget-Friendly Culinary Magic: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples, this recipe stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.

What You Need For Hamburger Soup

Meat:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that gives the soup its rich, meaty flavor. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup aromatics that build a delicious flavor foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best for maximum flavor.
  • Potatoes: Adds substance and thickness to the soup. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better during cooking.
  • Green Beans or Peas: Provides a pop of color and extra nutrition. Fresh or frozen both work well.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the soup base.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances overall meaty flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and texture to the soup. Canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides richness and helps thicken the soup.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth to the flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings complexity to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky undertone to the soup.

Steps To Cook Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a spacious cooking pot over medium flame. Crumble the ground beef into the pot, cooking until it transforms into a rich, caramel-brown color. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon. Once fully cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

Toss chopped ingredients into the pot:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Stir and dance these veggies around the pot for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their aromatic magic. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Goodness

Add a symphony of flavors to the pot:
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
Tumble in hearty potatoes and a sprinkle of seasonings:
  • Italian herb blend
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika

Step 4: Let the Soup Bubble and Simmer

Crank up the heat until the mixture bubbles enthusiastically. Immediately lower the temperature and let the soup gently simmer. Watch the potatoes become tender and soft, about 20 minutes of patient cooking.

Step 5: Final Green Touch

Introduce some vibrant green vegetables:
  • Green beans
  • Or sweet green peas

Stir them into the pot and let them dance for an additional 5 minutes, adding a burst of color and nutrition.

Step 6: Serve with Excitement

Ladle the steaming, aromatic soup into deep bowls. Pair with a crusty, warm bread for the ultimate comfort meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Pro Suggestions For Hamburger Soup

  • Drain Beef Fat Completely: Remove all excess grease after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Vegetable Prep Matters: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika to create a rich, complex taste profile that elevates the standard hamburger soup.
  • Customize Veggie Options: Swap green beans with frozen peas or mixed vegetables to accommodate personal preferences or pantry availability.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid amount by adding extra broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering, ensuring perfect soup texture.

How To Store Hamburger Soup Properly

  • Refrigerate leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • When reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Avoid microwaving for the best texture, as it can make the vegetables mushy.
  • Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best flavor and consistency.
  • Pro tip: Add a splash of fresh broth when reheating to restore the soup's original moisture and prevent dryness.

What Goes Well With Hamburger Soup

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty beef flavors with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, cutting through the soup's richness and enhancing its savory profile.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect dipping companion that soaks up the delicious broth and adds a crunchy texture to each spoonful of the soup.
  • Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Balance the soup's warmth with a crisp green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Try Craft Beer Pairing: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that echoes the soup's hearty beef notes and complements its robust seasonings.
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Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

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

Description

Hearty hamburger soup delivers comfort in a bowl, packed with ground beef, vegetables, and robust flavors. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh green beans (or peas)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 8 ounces can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Initiate the meat preparation by thoroughly browning ground beef in a capacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, ensuring complete cooking and eliminating any surplus fat.
  2. Introduce a medley of finely chopped aromatics – onions, carrots, and celery – into the pot, gently sautéing until they transform into a tender, translucent ensemble. Incorporate minced garlic and allow its fragrance to permeate the mixture for a brief moment.
  3. Create a robust liquid foundation by cascading beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot. Elevate the flavor profile with Worcestershire sauce, then integrate cubed potatoes and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and smoky paprika.
  4. Escalate the heat momentarily to achieve a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften, transforming into a comforting, hearty landscape of flavors.
  5. During the final cooking phase, introduce vibrant green beans or sweet peas, letting them dance within the simmering liquid for several minutes to preserve their crisp texture and verdant essence.
  6. Present the soup in warm ceramic bowls, accompanied by a rustic slice of crusty bread, ready to be savored and enjoyed as a soul-warming culinary experience.

Notes

  • Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Enhance soup’s richness by using homemade beef bone broth instead of store-bought for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Optimize texture by cutting vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent mouthfeel throughout the soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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