Some recipes bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the dinner table, and hamburger soup is one of them. This simple yet satisfying dish combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, creating a meal that is both nutritious and deeply comforting. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a way to warm up on a chilly day, this soup delivers flavor, heartiness, and simplicity in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup
Hamburger soup is a classic for a reason. It’s one of those meals that feels homemade and wholesome, offering a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and broth. Here’s why this recipe should become a staple in your kitchen:
1. It’s Easy to Make
Hamburger soup is a one-pot meal that comes together with minimal effort. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, making it a great choice for quick, home-cooked meals.
2. Packed with Flavor
The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a rich, savory broth that develops depth as it simmers. Whether you add red wine for complexity or keep it traditional, this soup never lacks flavor.
3. It’s Versatile and Customizable
You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add different vegetables, swap out the protein, or experiment with seasonings to make it your own.
4. Great for Meal Prep
This soup stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. The flavors intensify overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.
5. A Comforting, Nutritious Meal
Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is both hearty and nourishing. It’s filling enough to be a complete meal, yet light enough that it doesn’t feel overly heavy.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 to 1 1/3 pounds
- Yellow Onion: 1 cup, diced (from 1 small or 1/2 large onion)
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Carrots: 2 large, diced
- Sweet Bell Pepper: 1, seeded and diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Red Wine (Optional): 1/2 cup
- Elbow Macaroni (Optional): 1 cup
Directions:
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into chunks.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:
- Stir in tomato paste and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Mix in oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Incorporate Broth and Simmer:
- Add beef broth, red wine (if using), and diced tomatoes.
- Return cooked ground beef to the pot, stir, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Soup:
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- If using macaroni, add it halfway through and cook until tender.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, with crusty bread or crackers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
The Secret to Making the Best Hamburger Soup
Even though this is an easy recipe, a few small tweaks can take it from good to incredible. Follow these expert tips to maximize flavor and texture:
1. Use High-Quality Ground Beef
For the best flavor, choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15). It provides enough richness without making the soup greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
2. Brown the Beef Properly
Instead of just stirring the ground beef, let it sear for a few minutes without moving it. This allows a deep, caramelized crust to form, which enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
3. Sauté the Vegetables for Extra Depth
Instead of simply adding vegetables to the broth, sauté them first. Cooking onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of oil before adding the broth releases their natural sweetness and builds layers of flavor.
4. Balance the Acidity with Tomato Paste or Wine
A small amount of tomato paste or red wine helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the richness of the soup. If you prefer to skip the wine, an extra splash of broth works just as well.
5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta (If Using)
If adding pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy over time.
Variations to Try
Hamburger soup is a versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to switch things up based on your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
1. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Hamburger Soup
- Skip the pasta and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower.
- Use bone broth instead of regular beef broth for added nutrients.
- Stir in cream or cheese for a richer, keto-friendly twist.
2. Spicy Tex-Mex Version
- Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a southwestern kick.
- Stir in black beans and corn for added texture.
- Top with cheddar cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
3. Italian-Inspired Hamburger Soup
- Swap oregano for Italian seasoning and add basil.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Stir in small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo for an Italian touch.
4. Hearty Vegetable-Packed Version
- Increase the vegetable content by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, green beans, or cabbage.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, plant-forward dish.
5. Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely.
- Ensure all broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
- Replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. How Long Does Hamburger Soup Last in the Fridge?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
3. Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! Hamburger soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool it completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What’s the Best Way to Thicken Hamburger Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, try:
- Mashing some of the cooked vegetables for a natural thickener.
- Adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) while simmering.
- Letting it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
5. Can I Make This Soup Without Tomatoes?
Yes! If you’re avoiding tomatoes, substitute them with extra broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
6. What Can I Serve with Hamburger Soup?
This soup pairs well with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- A fresh green salad for balance.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Soup Today
Hamburger soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable dish that fits any occasion. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold night, need a hearty meal prep option, or want a quick and satisfying dinner, this soup checks all the boxes.
With its simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and rich flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table every time you make it. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort—you won’t be disappointed.
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Quick Hamburger Soup Recipe | Cozy & Easy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Easy Hamburger Soup is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. With ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/3 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (from 1 small onion or 1/2 large onion)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 sweet bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat (or add olive oil if necessary).
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Base:
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Liquids and Beef:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using).
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix well.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a rapid simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- If adding elbow macaroni, stir it in halfway through simmering and cook until tender.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap in your favorite vegetables or add beans for extra heartiness.
- Pasta Tip: Only add pasta if you plan to serve the soup immediately. Pasta can absorb liquid and become mushy when stored.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether for a gluten-free version.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace red wine with an equal amount of beef broth for a rich flavor without the alcohol.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
