Hamburger Soup
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I didn’t expect Hamburger Soup to become such a staple in our dinner rotation, but here we are. Ground beef simmers in a tomato broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and Italian herbs, creating a deep, savory richness that warms you from the inside out. Tender potatoes and vegetables make it the kind of soup you crave on repeat.
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I make it for weeknight dinners when everyone needs something warm and filling, plus it’s perfect for meal prep Sundays and cold winter days. It’s budget-friendly and kid-friendly, making it perfect for feeding the family without fuss. The soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Hamburger Soup with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ll walk you through making this easy hamburger soup recipe from start to finish.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
I like using this meat chopper because it makes it easier to break up ground beef into perfect crumbles while it cooks. You want nice caramelized bits on the beef for maximum flavor.
Cook the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. A garlic press quickly minces garlic cloves.
Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. The garlic should smell amazing but not burn.
Build the Broth
Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and sugar. The tomato paste adds body and richness to the broth.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes so all the flavors blend.
Add the Vegetables
Add the cubed potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. I use my mandoline slicer to quickly and safely cut the potatoes into uniform pieces.
You don’t need to thaw the veggies first. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. The vegetables will absorb all that savory liquid as they cook.
Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. I keep this salt-and-pepper grinder on the table so everyone can add freshly ground pepper to their bowl.
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your Hamburger Soup!
If you’re taking the soup to a potluck or gathering, an insulated soup carrier keeps it piping hot for hours during transport.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 medium potato cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Video
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.1 cup onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.¼ cup tomato paste, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon sugar
- Add the potatoes and frozen vegetables. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.1 medium potato, 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.Salt and black pepper
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the beef: Let the ground beef develop caramelized bits in the pot before adding other ingredients for deeper flavor.
- Use quality beef broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so using a flavorful beef broth instead of water makes a huge difference in taste.
- Perfect for chilly days: Season with kosher salt for better control, use lean beef to reduce grease, and cut potatoes into large chunks for a heartier, rustic texture.
- Customize the soup: Swap ground turkey for beef, use red potatoes instead of regular, add celery with the onions, stir in pasta or rice near the end, replace tomato paste with tomato sauce, use onion powder and garlic powder instead of fresh, add chopped cabbage with vegetables such as beans snd corn, substitute some broth with tomato juice, or make it in a crock pot on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Taste before serving: Season with salt and pepper at the end, after the soup has simmered, since the flavors concentrate as it cooks.
- Flash-freeze for meal prep: Pour cooled soup into individual freezer containers and freeze flat for 2 hours before stacking, so you can grab single servings easily.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together. I use airtight glass containers because they don’t absorb odors and stack neatly in the fridge.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm the whole batch on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Let it cool completely before freezing, and leave about an inch of headspace at the top, as the soup will expand. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop. The potatoes might get slightly softer after freezing, but the soup still tastes great.
What to Serve With Hamburger Soup
I usually serve it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the broth. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty soup well. Cornbread or oyster crackers are also classic pairings that add texture.
For a complete comfort meal, pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread. The soup is filling enough on its own, but adding a side makes it feel like a complete dinner.
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Outstanding.
Thank you, I am so pleased to hear this!