Hamburger Soup

Look, I’m just going to say it.

Hamburger Soup is the dinner that saves me on those chaotic weeknights when I have zero energy left.

It’s hearty. It’s warming. And honestly? My kids actually eat the vegetables in it without complaining (which feels like a small miracle).

This one-pot meal combines ground beef, tender veggies, and a flavorful broth that hits the spot every single time. No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just real food that brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Actually Love This Recipe

Listen, I’ve made this soup more times than I can count. Here’s why it keeps showing up in my weekly rotation:

• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and basic pantry items won’t drain your wallet. I’m talking feeding 8 people without stress.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything goes in one pot. That means less cleanup, which is honestly half the battle.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make extra and stash it away. Future you will be so grateful.
• Loaded with Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes… all hiding in plain sight. Even the picky eaters don’t pick them out.
• Customizable: Got random veggies in your fridge? Toss them in. This soup doesn’t judge.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This makes 8 generous bowls. Perfect for a family dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day.

Want to feed more people?

Just double everything and use a bigger pot.

Difficulty: Super easy. If you can brown ground beef and chop an onion, you’re golden.

Required Kitchen Tools

You probably have everything already:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Ingredients for Hamburger Soup

Nothing fancy here. Just straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully.

For the Soup Base:

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Helps brown the beef and keeps things from sticking
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) – I use 80/20 for the best flavor
• Onion: 1 medium, diced – Adds sweetness
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced – Brings that subtle earthy taste
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Because garlic makes everything better

For the Body:

• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cubed – They add heartiness and help thicken things up
• Beef Broth: 4 cups (960ml) – The flavorful base that ties it all together
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) – Adds brightness
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (8 oz/227g) – Creates that robust tomato flavor
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon – This is the secret weapon for depth
• Mixed Vegetables: 2 cups (300g) – Corn, green beans, peas, carrots… whatever you’ve got
• Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Variations for Hamburger Soup

Here’s where you can get creative:

• Switch the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken work great if you want something lighter. Italian sausage adds a whole different vibe.
• Add Pasta or Rice: Throw in cooked elbow macaroni or white rice during the last 10 minutes. Makes it even more filling.
• Make It Spicy: Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños give it a nice kick.
• Use Different Vegetables: Cabbage, zucchini, bell peppers… seriously, use what’s in season or what’s hiding in your crisper drawer.
• Create a Tomato Beef Soup: Want it more tomato-forward? Cut back on the veggies and add extra tomatoes.

How to Make Hamburger Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef.

Break it apart with your wooden spoon and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s completely browned. No pink left.

If there’s a ton of grease, drain some off. But a little fat = flavor, so don’t go crazy.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in your diced onion and celery right there with the beef.

Cook for 4-5 minutes. You’ll see the onion turn translucent and everything will start smelling amazing.

Add the minced garlic.

Cook for one more minute. Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now.

3. Build the Soup

Time to add everything else.

Throw in the cubed potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Give it all a good stir.

4. Simmer Until Tender

Bring everything to a boil.

Then…

Turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.

5. Add the Vegetables

Stir in your mixed vegetables.

Cook for another 5 minutes until everything’s heated through.

Now taste it. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right.

6. Serve Hot

Ladle it into bowls.

Serve immediately.

Pro tip? This soup actually tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to mingle.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Hamburger Soup

This soup is pretty versatile when it comes to serving:

• With Bread: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread are perfect for dunking. I recently made this with some garlic bread and my family devoured it.
• With Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or oyster crackers on top take it to the next level.
• As a Complete Meal: You’ve got protein, vegetables, and potatoes all in one bowl. That’s dinner sorted.
• For Lunch: Pack it in a thermos for work or school. It stays warm and filling.

Storing Hamburger Soup

Refrigerator:

Let the soup cool completely first.

Then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits.

Freezer:

This is where meal prep magic happens.

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop works best. Warm it gently over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if it’s gotten too thick.

For the microwave? Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Let me share what I’ve learned from making this soup countless times:

• Don’t Skip Browning: Seriously. Properly browned beef creates way more flavor. Don’t rush this step.
• Cut Evenly: Chop your potatoes and vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Everything cooks at the same rate that way.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving. You might need more salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce.
• Let It Rest: If you have 10 extra minutes, let the soup sit after cooking. The flavors meld together beautifully.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme stirred in right before serving? Chef’s kiss.

Nutrition

Here’s the breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories	285
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	6g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	680mg
Vitamin A	35% DV
Vitamin C	25% DV
Calcium	6% DV
Iron	18% DV

Keep in mind these are approximate values. They’ll vary depending on your specific ingredients.

Hamburger Soup FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey makes it lighter. Just know the flavor will be milder, so you might want to add extra seasonings.

What vegetables work best in this soup?

Carrots, corn, green beans, peas, and cabbage all work beautifully. Honestly? Use what you have on hand or what your family actually likes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes!

Brown the beef first in a skillet. Then add everything to your slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Two options here:

Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon. Or stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Sure can. Add cooked pasta during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Elbow macaroni or small shells work best.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing about Hamburger Soup.

It’s not fancy. It won’t impress anyone on Instagram.

But it will warm you up on a cold night. It’ll feed your family without breaking the bank. And it’ll give you leftovers that taste even better the next day.

I make this soup when I’m tired, when I’m busy, when I just need something reliable that I know will turn out well.

The tender beef. The hearty vegetables. That rich tomato broth.

It’s comfort food at its finest.

And sometimes? That’s exactly what we need.