Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Easy Hamburger Soup: A Simple Hearty Classic for Home Cooks

If you’re after a meal that’s quick, affordable, and hits the spot every time, Easy Hamburger Soup is just the ticket. This versatile dish takes ground beef, staple vegetables, and potatoes, and turns them into a balanced, comforting dinner in about 30 minutes. The result is a crowd-pleasing soup loaded with flavor and nutrition—a perfect answer to the “What’s for dinner?” question on any busy night.

Whether you’re feeding a family, making lunches for the week, or warming up on a chilly day, this easy hamburger soup recipe brings together wholesome pantry ingredients in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Let’s walk through every aspect: ingredients, step-by-step cooking, storage, serving, and useful tips for success.

What Is Hamburger Soup?

Hamburger soup is a brothy soup built around seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. The flavor foundation comes from beef broth and tomatoes, with simple herbs that lend a satisfying, savory finish. Some know it as “poor man’s soup”—not because it’s lacking, but because it delivers great value and taste with very little fuss or fancy ingredients.

It’s not just budget-friendly, though. The flexibility of hamburger soup means you can swap veggies, rework the seasoning, or make it as chunky or brothy as you like. This soup invites customization, so you can adjust it for picky eaters, dietary changes, or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic and flavorful pot of easy hamburger soup. These ingredients are easy to find and offer great flexibility.

Optional add-ins: Bay leaf, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Making hamburger soup doesn’t require culinary expertise. Most of the work is done by the pot; you’ll just manage a few quick steps.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Brown the Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces.
  • Cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes), draining excess fat if needed.

• Sauté Aromatics

  • Stir in the chopped onion.
  • Cook for about 3 minutes, just until translucent.
  • Add minced garlic, cooking another minute until fragrant.

• Add Liquids and Seasonings

  • Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  • Stir until tomato paste incorporates fully.
  • Sprinkle in the basil and oregano.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

• Add Potatoes and Vegetables

  • Stir in the diced potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables.
  • Return to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

• Season and Serve

  • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• For a lean soup: Choose 90% or 93% lean ground beef. After browning, drain off excess fat to keep the broth from turning greasy.
• Adjust texture: Love it chunky? Cut potatoes into larger pieces and use extra veggies. Like it brothy? Add a cup more beef broth.
• Flavor boosters: Throw in a bay leaf during simmering or finish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tried-and-True Variations

Hamburger soup is tailor-made for experimenting. Here are ways to put your own spin on this classic:

• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste and less fat.
• Potato-free: Substitute potatoes with cooked rice, small pasta (orzo, ditalini), or even quinoa. If using dry pasta or rice, add an extra cup of broth to prevent the soup from thickening too much.
• Go spicy: Stir in a can of Rotel tomatoes or add diced green chilies for some heat.
• Seasonal veggies: Zucchini, green beans, corn, or chopped spinach can add color and nutrition.
• Tex-Mex style: Mix in taco seasoning and finish with a handful of black beans for a Southwestern twist.
• Thicker texture: Before serving, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water. Stir it into the simmering soup to thicken.

Serving Ideas

Hamburger soup is filling and satisfying alone, but pairing it with homemade sides makes a comforting meal even heartier.

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dunking, the crispy outside and buttery center match the soup’s savory broth.
• Drop biscuits: Quick to whip up, their fluffy texture soaks up the flavors nicely.
• Dinner rolls: Whether store-bought or made from scratch, these are reliable favorites for soup nights.
• Simple salad: A crisp, green side salad with vinaigrette balances out the rich, meaty flavors of the soup.
• Seasoned fries: Lean into the “hamburger” vibe and serve with a batch of oven-baked fries on the side.

Storage and Meal Prep

Hamburger soup tastes great the day it’s made, but you can also prep it ahead. Here’s how to handle leftovers and plan for future meals:

Refrigeration:
– Cool leftovers, then transfer to airtight containers.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
– Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
– Or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, pausing halfway to stir.

Freezing:
– Potatoes can become mealy after thawing, so for best results, freeze the soup before adding potatoes.
– When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge, reheat, and add freshly cooked potatoes.

Meal prep tip:
– If planning for lunches, portion the soup into individual containers.
– Leave room in containers for expansion if freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and green beans all do well. Just chop them small enough to cook through in under 25 minutes.

Is hamburger soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free, and don’t add pasta. Serve with gluten-free bread if needed.

How do I make the soup thicker?
Try the cornstarch slurry method listed above, or use instant potato flakes in small amounts for an easy thickener.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pot and double all ingredients. The soup reheats well for meal prep and leftovers.

Easy Hamburger Soup is a balanced, adaptable meal that fits any schedule or budget. With hearty beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a family dinner you’ll want to put on repeat. Feel free to swap ingredients as you go, adjusting flavors for your household. Serve with your favorite bread, and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked classic.

Easy Hamburger Soup

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.8 from 3 votes

---

Course: Soup / Cuisine: American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cooking Time 35 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 306 cal

This easy hamburger soup recipe is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner. It is loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. And it’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can roasted tomatoes
• 3 medium yellow potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic and cook until it's fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the broth, undrained roasted tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!