When the weather turns chilly or you need a cozy, easy-to-make dinner, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of hamburger soup. Packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family. Plus, it's super simple to prepare and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a delicious and versatile hamburger soup recipe that you can customize to fit your tastes. Whether you're using up leftovers or looking for a new comfort food favorite, this hamburger soup is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup
- Comforting & Hearty: This soup is perfect for those days when you need something filling but light enough to enjoy year-round.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 45 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in the pantry, making it a perfect recipe for cleaning out the fridge.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild, savory flavors, this soup is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For this classic hamburger soup recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 potato, diced (optional for extra heartiness)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (you can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or any other beans of choice (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or any other frozen vegetables you like)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 1-2 cups water, as needed to adjust consistency
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. If you’re adding potatoes, toss them in at this point as well.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes & Broth
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and dried thyme and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer. If the soup looks too thick, you can add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Drop in the bay leaf if using, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. Check the soup halfway through and add more water if needed.
Step 5: Add Beans & Frozen Vegetables
If you're using beans (kidney, white beans, or chickpeas work well), add them to the pot along with the frozen peas (or any other frozen vegetables you prefer). Stir them in and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through and tender.
Step 6: Taste & Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of herbs if desired. If you like a bit of tang, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf (if used) and serve hot. You can pair it with crusty bread, cheese toast, or even sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch.
Tips for Customizing Your Hamburger Soup
Hamburger soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or zucchini. You can also swap in sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream, half-and-half, or cream cheese for a creamy version of this soup.
- Swap the Meat: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Herbs and Spices: Try different combinations of herbs—rosemary, basil, or even Italian seasoning can be added to change the flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating
This hamburger soup makes great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, so it’s a perfect dish to make ahead. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra water or broth if it thickens too much.
Why Hamburger Soup is a Winner
Hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food—it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with all the good stuff. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving a warm bowl on a cold evening, this soup hits all the right notes.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly, especially when you use pantry staples like beans and frozen vegetables. So, next time you’re in the mood for something filling but simple, give this hamburger soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Happy cooking!
