Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe

Quick & Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, comforting soups can turn any chilly evening into a delightful culinary experience with this hearty hamburger soup recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this soup brings together ground beef, tender vegetables, and robust seasonings in one delicious bowl.

Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of meaty goodness and nutritious ingredients.

The soup cooks quickly and easily, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Each ingredient adds depth and character to this classic comfort food.

Grab your pot and get ready to create a soup that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes In Hamburger Soup

For Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a hearty, rich flavor that adds depth to the soup without excess grease.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Elevates the meaty taste with a tangy, umami punch that complements the beef perfectly.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic flavor trio that creates a robust base, adding sweetness and earthy undertones to the soup.
  • Garlic: Provides a warm, pungent kick that intensifies the overall taste profile.
  • Green Beans (or Peas): Brings a fresh, vibrant texture and nutritional boost to the hearty soup.
  • Potatoes: Adds creamy substance and helps thicken the soup with its starchy goodness.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Introduces a bright, slightly acidic note that balances the hearty ingredients.
  • Tomato Sauce: Enhances the depth of tomato flavor and provides a smooth consistency.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and aromatic warmth.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky essence that elevates the soup's overall flavor profile.

Soup Tools For Hamburger Soup

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking ground beef and simmering the entire soup, provides ample space for all ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring beef and vegetables, helping to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and preparing other ingredients safely.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, tomatoes, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures correct seasoning amounts for salt, pepper, and spices.
  • Ladle: Great for serving soup into bowls smoothly and evenly.

Steps To Make Hamburger Soup Quick

  • Brown the Protein

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until completely done. Get rid of any extra grease for a cleaner flavor.

  • Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pot. Let them dance around until they’re soft and fragrant. Quickly introduce minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly.

  • Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in rich beef broth, juicy diced tomatoes, smooth tomato sauce, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Drop in chunky potato pieces and sprinkle with a blend of Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and smoky paprika.

  • Let the Soup Come Together

Crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil, then dial it back to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients mingle and soften for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and delicious.

  • Final Touch of Freshness

Fold in green beans (or peas) and let them warm through for a quick 5 minutes, adding a pop of color and texture.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and pair with a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Flavor Variations For Hamburger Soup

  • Lean Meat Magic: Choose extra-lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor and keeping the soup lighter.
  • Veggie Boost: Swap some ground beef with mushrooms for added nutrition and a more complex taste profile that adds depth to the soup.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this soup safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by browning beef first, then transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-7 hours.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Hamburger Soup Warm And Hearty

  • Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty French baguette or rustic sourdough to dip into the rich, savory soup. The bread soaks up the delicious broth and adds a delightful texture contrast.
  • Cheesy Topping Magic: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses on top just before serving. The melting cheese creates a creamy layer that elevates the soup's comfort factor.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a burst of color and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the soup's heartiness. These herbs add a light, zesty touch to the rich dish.
  • Family-Style Side: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How To Store Hamburger Soup The Smart Way

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Quick cool-down tip: Spread soup in a shallow dish to help it chill faster before storing.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Pack cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining delicious flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Batch Cooking Strategy: Prepare double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch options. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Recommendation: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to restore original consistency. Microwave works well too – heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 197 kcal

Servings: 7

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Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger soup brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, savory flavors. Beef, vegetables, and herbs combine in a satisfying one-pot meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
  • 1 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh green beans (or peas)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly cooking and draining excess fat.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot. Enhance with Worcestershire sauce, then add cubed potatoes and season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. Simmering Stage: Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and flavors meld together, creating a rich and hearty base.
  5. Final Touch: Introduce green beans or peas during the last few minutes of cooking, maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture while integrating seamlessly into the soup.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls and pair with a crusty bread slice for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Browning: Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent greasy soup and enhance clean flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Sauté Technique: Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture; cook until soft but not mushy to retain subtle crunch.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and pepper incrementally during cooking to control final taste; taste and modify before serving for perfect flavor depth.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for lower-fat or vegetarian versions; use gluten-free broth for celiac-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 197
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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