Hamburger Soup

Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? Hamburger Soup is the cozy, down-home dinner you didn’t know you needed until that first spoonful. It’s hearty, beefy, and loaded with tender vegetables swimming in a savory, tomato-rich broth. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out—simple to make, super satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you’re just craving something familiar and delicious.

Trust me, one bowl of this and you’ll feel like you’re right back at Grandma’s kitchen table.

Why You’ll Love Hamburger Soup

Weeknight Wonder: Quick, easy, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pantry staples come together to create something way more flavorful than you’d expect for the price.

Comfort in a Bowl: It’s warm, hearty, and totally nostalgic in the best way. Like a hug from your favorite flannel blanket.

One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup = major win.

Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for those “I don’t feel like cooking” days.

Ingredients in Hamburger Soup

Here’s what makes this classic soup so cozy and crave-worthy:

Ground Beef

The star of the show—adds richness and heartiness. Use lean beef to keep it from being greasy, or go full-flavor with a fattier cut and drain the excess fat.

Onion & Garlic

These kitchen staples build the base of flavor, giving the soup that savory, homemade depth.

Carrots & Celery

Classic soup veggies that add a touch of sweetness and a tender bite.

Potatoes

Cubed and hearty, they soak up all that delicious broth—pure comfort.

Diced Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes bring a punch of acidity and richness to the broth.

Tomato Paste

Concentrated flavor that gives the soup body and a little extra depth.

Beef Broth

Rich and savory—it ties everything together. Go low-sodium if you like to control the salt.

Italian Seasoning

Just the right blend of herbs to give the soup a cozy, familiar flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Season to taste—it’s simple, but it matters.

Optional Add-ins

Green beans, corn, peas, bell peppers, or even pasta—totally up to you.

(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s bring this comfort classic to life:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Veggies & Tomatoes

Toss in the carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and canned tomatoes. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add the beef broth and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Adjust & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~300–400 (varies with ingredients and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Hamburger Soup

Here’s how to take your bowl from great to I need seconds right now:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a hunk of sourdough or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last drop.

Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty richness of the soup.

Cheese It Up: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan on top for extra comfort.

Add Heat: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives it a little kick if you like spice.

Make it a Meal: Add a side of roasted veggies or a grilled cheese for the ultimate diner-style comfort plate.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Freeze It: Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Bulk It Up: Add cooked pasta, rice, or even beans to make it extra filling.

Lean It Down: Use ground turkey or chicken and a lighter broth for a lower-calorie version.

Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, spinach, kale, or mushrooms—whatever you’ve got on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A1: Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then toss everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A2: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken both work great and make it a bit lighter.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
A3: You sure can—swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use veggie broth instead of beef broth.

Q4: Can I freeze hamburger soup?
A4: Definitely! It freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

Q6: What potatoes work best?
A6: Russets or Yukon golds are perfect—they hold their shape but get nice and tender.

Q7: Can I make it spicy?
A7: Go for it! Add crushed red pepper, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to bring the heat.

Q8: Is this soup gluten-free?
A8: Yes—as long as your broth and seasonings are gluten-free, you’re good to go.

Q9: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A9: Sure! Just chop them up and cook a bit longer to break them down.

Q10: How long does it last in the fridge?
A10: Stored properly, it’ll keep for up to 4–5 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—simple, hearty, and packed with all the flavors that make home-cooked meals so special. Whether you’re feeding a family, stocking your freezer, or just craving something soul-warming, this one’s a total keeper. So go ahead, grab a spoon and cozy up—you’re gonna love this.

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