Classic Hamburger Soup Recipe with Ground Beef & Veggies

Introduction

There’s a certain kind of beauty in a dish that doesn’t pretend to be fancy. It’s honest. It’s filling. It tastes like home. That’s exactly what hamburger soup is. No fluff, no garnish-for-the-’gram. Just a bowl of bold, meaty comfort that gets the job done.

I remember eating this as a kid, back when my mom had to stretch every dollar but still wanted to put something hot and satisfying on the table. Hamburger soup was her go-to—cheap, simple, and hearty enough to feed a crowd. I’ve taken that same basic blueprint and fine-tuned it over the years: ground beef, a mess of vegetables, a rich tomato base, and a few pantry staples to pull it all together.

This isn’t some watered-down health food pretending to be soup. It’s beefy. It’s chunky. It’s damn delicious. The kind of thing you make on a Sunday and eat all week. Or whip up on a weeknight because you’ve had a day and you just want something warm without the fuss.

Whether you’re new to cooking or just sick of recipes that need 14 ingredients you’ve never heard of, this hamburger soup’s for you. Let’s get into it—because dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be great.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and veggies.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt with what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions/Method

1. Brown the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Build the Base: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir to combine.
4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle in basil, oregano, pepper, salt, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let simmer for 30–35 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Taste and Adjust: Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.

Tips & Variations

• Lean Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• More Veggies: Add corn, peas, or zucchini.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower.
• Thicker Soup: Simmer uncovered longer or add a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water.

Note

Chop veggies into even sizes so they cook uniformly. Don’t skip browning the beef—it builds crucial flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with buttered crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
• Pair with a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (approx. 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg

User Reviews/Comments

“This soup reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. Pure comfort food.” – Rachel D.

“I added corn and peas—super filling and the whole family loved it!” – Chris T.

“Easy and delicious. Tastes even better the next day.” – Maria L.

FAQs

Can I freeze hamburger soup?
Yes! Let it cool, then store in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best beef to use?
80/20 ground beef gives the most flavor, but leaner beef works fine too. Just adjust seasoning and broth as needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.

Is it gluten-free?
As long as your broth and tomato products are gluten-free, yes. Always check labels.

How do I thicken hamburger soup?
Simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).

Conclusion

Hamburger soup doesn’t try to impress. It shows up, fills you up, and makes you feel like everything might just be okay. It’s the kind of meal that tells you someone cares—even if that someone is you.

Perfect for freezing, easy to tweak, and satisfying as hell, this soup belongs in your regular lineup. No need for trendy ingredients or special tools. Just meat, veg, and soul in a bowl.

For more on the humble beginnings of ground beef and its place in American cooking, check out the Wikipedia article on Ground Beef. It’s got all the gritty history behind this staple ingredient.

Now get to chopping. Your dinner’s waiting.

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