Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that truly wraps you in comfort and delivers flavor in every spoonful, look no further than Hearty Hamburger Soup. Overflowing with tender veggies, savory ground beef, and a perfectly seasoned broth, this family favorite will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share, Hearty Hamburger Soup promises satisfaction in a bowl—no fussy ingredients, just deep, nostalgic flavor that always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients let each individual flavor shine in this soup, creating a colorful, delicious bowl that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Every element adds to the overall richness, making Hearty Hamburger Soup comforting, nutritious, and vibrant.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Creates the meaty base and infuses the broth with amazing flavor, making each bite extra satisfying.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the beef from sticking and adds a subtle, fruity richness that enhances everything.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): Gives the soup an aromatic sweetness and depth you’ll notice in every spoonful.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Elevates the flavor, lending a gentle, mouthwatering heat in the background.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (3): Bring color, natural sweetness, and a touch of earthiness—plus, they’re good for you!
- Celery, sliced (2 stalks): Balances the flavors with a soft crunch and classic soup aroma.
- Potatoes, peeled and diced (3): Make the soup irresistibly hearty and help thicken the broth as they cook.
- Diced tomatoes, canned (14.5 ounces): Add tanginess and a pop of bright flavor. Fire-roasted varieties give the soup a smoky twist!
- Beef broth (6 cups): The backbone of the soup, infusing everything with savory goodness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps enrich the broth.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Offers warm, slightly sweet notes that pair beautifully with the vegetables.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings an herby, home-cooked depth you’ll notice in every mouthful.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A little smoky heat makes the soup unforgettable—don’t skip it!
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste as you go!
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Adds a burst of sweetness and beautiful color in the final minutes.
- Frozen green beans (1 cup): Deliver brightness, vitamins, and a crisp texture even when cooked.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Finishes the soup with a flourish of color and freshness—totally optional, but delightful!
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, just scoop it out—leaving too much will make the soup greasy, but a little fat adds flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the browned beef. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring so the onion softens and the garlic releases its incredible aroma. This base layer is what gives Hearty Hamburger Soup its deep savory profile.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. There’s something magical about watching the colors tumble into the pot! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), then add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Raise the heat and bring your soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. This is when the vegetables get perfectly tender and the broth gets rich and savory—the essence of Hearty Hamburger Soup!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Uncover the pot, then stir in the frozen corn and green beans. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the veggies are cooked through but still vibrant and a bit crisp. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed, then ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a burst of color and flavor right at the end.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness both in flavor and color, but you could also try a dusting of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crunchy croutons for a playful twist.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to hold its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with warm, crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a cheesy grilled sandwich. Cornbread or buttered rolls make for an especially inviting pairing that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, ladle Hearty Hamburger Soup into mugs for easy, cozy eating by the fire. Hosting friends? Serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or top with baked potato toppings—like chives and a sprinkle of cheese—for a fun, customizable vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. In the fridge, leftovers stay fresh for up to 4 days—and honestly, the flavors just get better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
Hearty Hamburger Soup freezes like a dream. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers (remember to leave room for expansion) and tuck them away for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For quick single servings, the microwave works great—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until steaming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. The soup will still be satisfying and delicious—just adjust the seasonings as needed, since these meats are milder than beef.
What other vegetables can I add to Hearty Hamburger Soup?
You can get creative! Try adding peas, zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
Can I make Hearty Hamburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything (except for the frozen veggies and parsley) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir in the corn and green beans for the final 30 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Hearty Hamburger Soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a certified gluten-free beef broth. Always double-check labels if gluten is a concern in your household.
How can I make the soup spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic and onion. You can also serve with hot sauce at the table so everyone can adjust to their preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and communal about a big pot of Hearty Hamburger Soup simmering on the stove—family will line up for seconds, and leftovers are coveted! I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and brings smiles to your table. Gather your favorite soup bowls and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hearty Hamburger Soup is a comforting and satisfying soup loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1 medium (diced)
Garlic:
2 cloves (minced)
Carrots:
3 (peeled and sliced)
Celery Stalks:
2 (sliced)
Potatoes:
3 (peeled and diced)
Diced Tomatoes:
1 (14.5-ounce can)
Beef Broth:
6 cups
Tomato Paste:
1 tablespoon
Dried Basil:
1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano:
1 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Corn:
1 cup (frozen)
Green Beans:
1 cup (frozen)
Fresh Parsley:
2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the corn and green beans, and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- This soup freezes well—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
