Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup is a comforting dish filled with flavorful ground beef, diced tomatoes, and various vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal, especially great for colder weather. This soup, along with other warm favorites like Zuppa Toscana and Cabbage Soup, is perfect for simple meal planning as it reheats wonderfully.

What is Hamburger Soup?

Hamburger soup is an all-time favorite American dish crafted with lean ground beef, zesty tomato broth, and a bunch of veggies. Imagine the delight of savoring a tasty hamburger combined with the coziness of tomato soup. What’s great is that it’s easy and fast, only taking around 45 minutes to whip up from beginning to end.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Soup

To make a fantastic hamburger soup, start with these key ingredients:

• Aromatic Vegetables: Begin with onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. Cooking them first in the pot releases wonderful smells that give your soup a rich flavor. If you want more veggies, toss in some spinach, kale, or green beans.
• Lean Ground Beef: Choose ground beef that’s 85% lean or leaner to avoid making your soup too oily. You can also switch it up with ground turkey if you prefer.
• Tomato Paste: This enhances the tomato flavor of the soup and helps thicken it.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Any brand will do, but be aware that some have more added sugar or salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
• Beef Broth: If you have homemade broth, great! Otherwise, store-bought works just fine.
• Potatoes: Opt for Yukon gold potatoes for a natural buttery taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Use your favorite dried Italian seasoning or mix your own with basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste, especially towards the end of cooking.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top as a garnish to elevate the soup’s flavor.

By combining these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious hamburger soup that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.

How to Make Hamburger Soup?

1. Cook the Veggies: Heat a large pot with some oil and toss in the chopped vegetables. Cook them over medium-high heat until they become soft.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it until it becomes a nice golden brown.
3. Finish Building the Soup: Mix in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, tomato paste, potatoes, and beef broth. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a Boil: Let the soup come to a boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
5. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your liking. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a finishing touch. Now, your soup is ready to be enjoyed!

With these simple steps, you can quickly put together a delicious and satisfying hamburger soup.

Pro Tip:

A Dutch oven is a fantastic tool in our kitchen, especially for making soup. We love using our 5 1/2 Qt Dutch Oven because it heats up evenly and can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. A quality pot like this can stick around in your kitchen for a really long time – it’s a good investment.

Make Ahead

Hamburger soup is a smart choice for preparing and planning meals. Wondering why? Well, the soup gets even tastier as it sits in the fridge. To keep it delicious for up to 5 days, just put it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This not only maintains its freshness but also stops it from picking up any strange smells that might be lingering in your fridge.

Note: Don’t freeze any leftover hamburger soup. The cooked veggies don’t warm up nicely when you reheat them. It’s better to stick to storing it in the fridge for freshness.

Serve With:

When serving hamburger soup, you can pair it with various sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some simple and tasty options:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: A slice of crusty bread or some warm dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the hearty broth of the soup.
• Side Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds a refreshing element to the meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese and soup is always a winner. The gooey cheese complements the savory soup flavors.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is a flavorful addition that goes well with the rich taste of hamburger soup.
• Cheese and Crackers: Create a simple cheese and cracker platter to nibble on alongside the soup.
• Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, served with a dip, add a healthy and satisfying touch.
• Side of Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier option, serve the soup over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa.
• Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the savory nature of hamburger soup.
• Tossed Roasted Vegetables: Roast a mix of your favorite vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful side dish.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and what you have available. The goal is to enhance your dining experience with complementary flavors and textures.

Common Questions

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker (Crock-Pot)?

Yes, using a slow cooker is a great idea. First, cook the veggies and brown the ground beef. Then, toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let them simmer for 2-4 hours on high.

Can I add macaroni to hamburger soup?

Absolutely! Adding macaroni is a tasty twist. You can throw them in during the last 12-15 minutes of cooking or boil them separately and add them. By the way, if you enjoy pasta in your soup, you might want to try our Tortellini Soup.

What spices can I add to hamburger soup?

To give the soup a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce. For a bit of heat, throw in some cayenne pepper.

How can I thicken hamburger soup?

To thicken the soup, you can add more tomato paste. Alternatively, create a slurry by mixing 3 parts water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir it into the pot and make sure it comes to a boil again. This will add a nice thickness to your soup.

Can I use lean or ground turkey instead of beef in the hamburger soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version of the soup.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the soup?

Browning the meat enhances the flavor by creating a Maillard reaction, but it’s not strictly necessary. You can skip this step if you need more time, but it may impact the depth of flavor.

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the soup setting or cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes.

How do I store leftover hamburger soup?

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I add pasta or rice to the hamburger soup?

Absolutely! Adding pasta or rice can make the soup heartier. Cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

What vegetables work well in hamburger soup?

You can use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, peas, corn, and green beans. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.

How can I make the soup spicier?

You can add spices like red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add some heat. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Is there a low-carb version of hamburger soup?

Absolutely! To make a low-carb version, omit ingredients like potatoes and carrots and add low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli.

Can I make hamburger soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, the flavors often intensify when the soup is allowed to sit. Prepare the soup, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat when ready to serve.

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

You can thicken the soup by adding a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Mix well and add it to the simmering soup until it reaches your desired thickness.

Is hamburger soup gluten-free?

The soup is typically gluten-free if you skip adding ingredients like pasta or flour for thickening. However, always check the labels of packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

What’s a good side dish to serve with hamburger soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes to complement the flavors of hamburger soup. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need additional tips!

What is Hamburger Soup Recipe?

Sure thing! This hamburger soup is a cozy and satisfying dish, filled with flavorful ground beef, diced tomatoes, and hearty vegetables. It’s an ideal recipe for colder weather, offering warmth and comfort. Imagine a delicious bowl of soup with the goodness of seasoned beef and tasty veggies—perfect for enjoying during the chilly months!

• Prep Time: 15minutes mins
• Cook Time: 30minutes mins
• Total Time: 45minutes mins
• Ingredients
• Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 sticks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef, 85% or leaner
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Start by heating a large pot or soup pot on the stove over medium heat with a bit of olive oil in it.

1. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they are soft and smell nice.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces with your spatula as it cooks. Keep going until it turns a golden brown color.
3. Mix in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, tomato paste, potatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.
4. Let the soup come to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
5. Taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.

Enjoy your homemade soup!

Nutrition Per Serving

• 294 kcal calories
• 15g carbs
• 22g protein
• 17g fat
• Course: Soup
• Cuisine: American
• Keyword: Hamburger Soup, Hamburger Soup Recipe
• Skill Level: Easy
• Cost to Make: $10-$12
• Calories: 294