Hearty and Comforting Hamburger Soup

Name: Hearty and Comforting Hamburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 bay leaf (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

by Sally Thompson

This Hearty Hamburger Soup is the perfect meal for chilly evenings, packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s a comforting, one-pot dish that’s ideal for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

This soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal without much effort. The combination of seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes creates a comforting dish that’s both filling and full of flavor.

Rich and Flavorful: The browned ground beef adds depth, while the herbs and spices infuse the broth with warmth.
Nutritious & Hearty: Packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, this soup is both filling and nourishing.
Easy One-Pot Meal: Simple to prepare and perfect for batch cooking or freezing for later.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love, served with crusty bread or over rice.

This hamburger soup is a classic comfort dish that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household!

Ingredients for Hearty Hamburger Soup

To make this delicious and comforting soup, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish.

Ground Beef – Lean ground beef provides a rich, savory base for the soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Onion – Adds depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with the beef.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall taste with a subtle, aromatic kick.
Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
Celery – Provides a mild crunch and helps balance the flavors.
Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make the soup filling and comforting.
Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and richness to the broth.
Beef Broth – A flavorful base that enhances the meaty taste of the soup. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.
Tomato Paste – Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory, umami touch that elevates the overall taste.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that enhances the dish’s warmth and complexity.
Salt & Pepper – To taste, for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Bay Leaf (optional) – Adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor while simmering.

How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup

This simple one-pot soup comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect meal for busy nights. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors blend evenly.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Add Potatoes

Pour in the beef broth, then add the diced potatoes and bay leaf (if using). Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread!

How Long to Cook Hamburger Soup

The cooking time for Hearty Hamburger Soup depends on the ingredients and their texture. Follow these guidelines to ensure your soup is perfectly cooked:

Simmering Time – Once all ingredients are combined, let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the potatoes and vegetables become tender.
Ground Beef Cooking Time – Browning the beef takes about 5-7 minutes before adding other ingredients.
Total Cooking Time – From start to finish, this soup can be ready in about 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.

To check if the soup is done, pierce a potato or carrot with a fork—it should be tender but not falling apart.

How to Store Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:

Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge.
Freezer: This soup freezes well! Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, leave some space in the container for expansion.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Frozen Soup: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

Want to make this soup even better? Follow these simple tips to enhance flavor and texture:

Use Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while still keeping the soup rich.
Sauté the Vegetables: Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery before adding broth brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the soup’s depth.
Let It Simmer: Simmering the soup longer (30-40 minutes) will develop richer flavors.
Make It Thicker: For a heartier soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot to create a naturally thickened broth.
Add More Flavor: Try adding a dash of smoked paprika, a splash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
Customize It: Feel free to mix in corn, bell peppers, green beans, or peas for extra texture and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option while keeping the soup just as delicious.

2. What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape best, while Russets make the soup creamier.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

4. Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes! Add cooked rice or small pasta like macaroni during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an even heartier meal.