Hearty Hamburger Soup | Easy Cozy Weeknight Recipe

This hearty hamburger soup is your answer to a comforting, one-pot dinner that’s packed with ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, full of pantry staples, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or storing for leftovers.

Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight meal or prepping for the weekend, this soup comes together fast with minimal fuss. We’ll cover exactly what goes in it, how to make it right, tips, customizations, and more.

Ready to discover one of the best hamburger soup recipes for busy kitchens?

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Hamburger Soup

This soup is one of those no-fail dinners that comes together with simple, affordable ingredients and makes a large, satisfying batch. It’s perfect for warming up chilly nights or stretching your grocery budget with zero flavor sacrifice.

• Minimal prep: Chop a few vegetables, brown your beef, and it’s mostly hands-off
• Budget-friendly: Uses ground beef, canned tomatoes, and basic veggies
• Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day
• Pinterest-worthy: Colorful mix of veggies, tender beef, and savory broth looks beautiful in every bowl

Ingredients for the Best Hamburger Soup

To create a rich, flavorful, and well-balanced hamburger soup, here’s exactly what you’ll need. These ingredients make about 6 to 8 hearty servings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) – adds meaty depth
• 1 large onion, diced – savory base
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – boosts aroma and flavor
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – sweet and soft when cooked
• 3 stalks celery, sliced – brings balance and texture
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced – hearty and filling
• 1 (15-ounce) can green beans, drained – easy veggie addition
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained – sweet crunch
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices) – tomato-rich base
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste – for deeper tomato flavor
• 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium) – the soup base
• 1 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – mild spice
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – classic herb flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – earthy balance
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – optional, adds warmth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – umami boost
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – optional but fresh

For a comforting soup with an irresistible base, don’t skip the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Their umami punch takes this beyond basic.

Check out how we use similar pantry staples in this baked potato soup crock pot recipe too.

How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup

This soup comes together easily in one pot. A few simple steps lead to a pot full of flavor. Here’s how to make hearty hamburger soup in under an hour:

1. Brown the beef
   Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add aromatics
   Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and tomato base
   Add carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat everything with the tomato mixture.
4. Pour in broth and season
   Pour in beef broth and stir in green beans, corn, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer until tender
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and garnish
   Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

For another comforting ground beef meal with potatoes, you’ll love our crockpot hamburger potato casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Beef Soup Recipes

This soup stands strong on its own, but a few sides and finishing touches can take it to the next level.

Classic Bread Pairings:
Serve it with warm dinner rolls, crusty sourdough, or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garlic toast adds bold flavor and crunch.

Simple Salads:
A side of crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Try chopped romaine with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Toppings and Extras:
Grated cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes turns up the heat.

Make It a Meal Prep Favorite:
Portion into meal prep containers for weekday lunches. It reheats beautifully and travels well.

Serving for a Crowd:
Double the batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker for potlucks or game day gatherings.

Pair this soup with our ultra-satisfying tater tot casserole with ground beef for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Tasty Variations & Easy Customization for Hamburger Meat Soup Recipes

This hamburger soup is a great canvas for customizations. Here are five easy ways to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
• Add beans: Kidney beans or white beans add fiber and bulk
• Make it spicy: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne
• Use frozen vegetables: Mixed frozen veggies work great in a pinch
• Go low-carb: Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead

You can also sneak in spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie-loaded twist.

Want more flexible ground beef dinner ideas? This easy lasagna soup is another cozy weeknight favorite.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Ground Beef Soup Recipes

This soup is a dream when it comes to leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Let cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Leave room for expansion.

Reheating:
Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.

Try it with this freezer-friendly lasagna soup in the Instant Pot that’s another soup meal prep favorite.

Pro Tips for Best Hamburger Soup Results

To make your hearty hamburger soup come out perfect every time, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Drain the fat after browning beef to avoid greasy broth
• Chop vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly
• Simmer low and slow for maximum flavor infusion
• Don’t overcook potatoes or they’ll fall apart
• Season at the end and taste before serving

These tips help you avoid common mistakes and deliver a balanced, flavorful soup every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Vegetable Beef Soup Recipes with Hamburger

Even easy soups have a few pitfalls. Steer clear of these common errors for soup success:

• Using too much grease: Always drain your beef after browning
• Overloading with ingredients: Stick to the recipe ratios to avoid mushy or crowded texture
• Skipping the simmer: Let it gently simmer so flavors develop and vegetables soften properly
• Adding pasta too early: If using pasta, cook it separately or add in the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking

Avoiding these slip-ups keeps your hamburger beef soup from turning bland or soggy.

Conclusion

There’s nothing like a big pot of hearty hamburger soup to bring everyone to the table. It’s full of flavor, nourishing, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or stocking up your freezer, this easy soup will quickly become a repeat recipe. Pin it for later and don’t forget to share it with friends who love simple, satisfying dinners.

If you enjoy slow-cooked comfort meals, try our crockpot chicken noodle soup for another set-it-and-forget-it favorite.

FAQs About Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipes

Can I freeze hearty hamburger soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

What vegetables work best in hearty hamburger soup?

Carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, and green beans are classic. Zucchini, spinach, and peas are great add-ins if you want to boost the veggie content.

Is this hearty hamburger soup low-carb friendly?

Not in its traditional form due to potatoes and corn. To make it low-carb, omit the potatoes and corn and use cauliflower or turnips instead.

How can I thicken hamburger soup?

Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid. You can also mash some of the potatoes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I make this hearty hamburger soup in the crockpot?

Yes. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Hearty Hamburger Soup | Easy Cozy Weeknight Recipe

Author: Angela Courses: Soups

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