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
Scale
- 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