Hearty, Easy, and Family-Favorite

Yesterday I made this Hamburger Soup for dinner, and the whole house smelled amazing. I was craving something comforting, filling, and full of flavor. It came together so easily, with ingredients I already had on hand—and it turned out super tasty. With lean ground beef, colorful veggies, and a rich tomato broth, it’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and leaves everyone at the table happy.

Adding a few herbs and some corn made the texture even better and the result just hit the spot! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect weeknight dinner, cozy weekend lunch, or easy meal prep idea—it works every time. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and flexible enough to adjust based on what you have in your fridge.

I like to enjoy it with a warm slice of crusty bread and a little grated cheese on top. Sometimes I even serve it with a small green salad for a fresh side. This Hamburger Soup is super easy to make and always brings that home-cooked goodness without needing anything fancy.

What is Hamburger Soup?

Hamburger Soup is a comforting, one-pot dish made with ground beef, chopped vegetables, broth, and tomato base. It’s like a cross between beef stew and vegetable soup, but quicker to make and lighter in texture.

The beef adds a rich, savory depth, while the carrots, celery, and corn bring sweetness and balance. It’s hearty without being heavy and perfect for anyone who wants a filling meal that still feels light and nourishing.

Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights: It comes together in under an hour and uses simple, everyday ingredients. Great for those “what’s for dinner?” nights.
• Family Dinners: Kids love it, and adults do too. Everyone can add their toppings—cheese, crackers, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can cook once and enjoy leftovers all week.
• Cold Weather Comfort: The warmth, the flavor, the coziness—it’s everything you need when the weather turns chilly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup green beans or peas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

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

How to make Hamburger soup

Step 1:

In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2:

Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook another 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 4:

Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 5:

Stir in corn and green beans (if using). Simmer 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6:

Ladle into bowls and enjoy with bread or crackers.

Notes

• Brown the beef well: Let it sear until you see some color—it adds depth of flavor. This is a simple trick that elevates the entire soup.
• Chop the veggies evenly: This helps them cook at the same time and look beautiful in the bowl. It also ensures every spoonful has a bit of everything.
• Add herbs early and late: Simmer some in the soup, but finish with a little fresh parsley or basil for brightness.
• Adjust liquid as needed: If it gets too thick, just add a bit more broth or water. You can also add a splash of tomato juice for more richness.
• Make it ahead: The flavor gets even better after it sits for a few hours. It’s ideal for next-day meals, and you can reheat in just minutes.
• Use lean ground beef: Less fat means you can skip draining and it still tastes rich. Or try half ground beef, half ground turkey.
• Taste as you go: Always check salt and seasoning before serving—it makes a big difference. A splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can bring everything to life.

Optional Ingredients (Get Creative!)

• Potatoes: Diced potatoes make it heartier and turn it into a full-on stew.
• Green beans or peas: Add for extra color and nutrition.
• Zucchini: Sliced or diced, it blends right into the soup and adds freshness.
• Barley or pasta: Toss in a small handful for a more filling version.
• Parmesan rind: Drop one in while simmering for extra savory depth.
• Chili flakes or hot sauce: Give it a spicy kick that warms you right up.

What to Pair with Hamburger Soup?

Start with a piece of toasted garlic bread to make this soup feel like a full meal. It’s ideal for dipping and soaking up all that rich tomato broth. You can even top it with a little melted cheese or a spread of butter.

A grilled cheese sandwich on the side is also a classic combo—especially if you’re feeding kids or looking for ultimate comfort food. Try mixing cheeses or adding tomato slices to switch it up.

A light green salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast and helps balance the richness of the beef and broth. Add crunchy croutons or sunflower seeds for texture.

For something cozy and homey, serve the soup with a baked potato or sweet potato on the side. Add butter, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese. It’s extra filling and feels like a diner-style comfort meal.

Variations and Substitutions To Try!

Turkey Hamburger Soup: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner version. It still tastes amazing and is great for low-fat meals. Add a dash of smoked paprika to boost the flavor.

Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and swap in veggie broth. Add extra beans and veggies to keep it hearty. Chickpeas or white beans work well.

Low-carb version: Skip starchy add-ins like potatoes or pasta and focus on meat and non-starchy veggies. Cauliflower florets are a great low-carb filler.

Tex-Mex twist: Add cumin, black beans, and corn. Top with avocado and serve with tortilla chips for a fun spin. Lime juice or cilantro adds a nice zing.

Italian-inspired: Add Italian seasoning, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and some white beans. Top with grated parmesan and serve with breadsticks.

Cheesy hamburger soup: Stir in a little shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy variation. Great for kids and cheese lovers!

How to Store

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well on the stove or in the microwave—just stir and warm until hot.

To freeze, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. You may need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

FAQ

Can I make hamburger soup ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Is hamburger soup freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great in this soup.

What vegetables can I use in hamburger soup?

You can use carrots, celery, onion, corn, green beans, peas, zucchini, or even spinach—whatever you have on hand.

Do I need to drain the beef?

If you’re using lean ground beef, it’s optional. But for fattier cuts, it’s a good idea to drain the excess grease after browning.

How do I make hamburger soup thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or mash a few of the potatoes or vegetables with a spoon for a naturally thicker texture.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be! Just avoid adding pasta or use a gluten-free variety, and double-check that your broth and canned goods are gluten-free.

Hamburger Soup Recipe

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Hamburger soup is a hearty, one-pot meal made with ground beef, veggies, and a savory tomato broth. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 cup green beans or peas (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook another 5 minutes.
• Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Stir in corn and green beans (if using). Simmer 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Ladle into bowls and enjoy with bread or crackers.