If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with very little fuss, this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich tomato broth, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, which means you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked soup any night of the week without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this soul-satisfying soup. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or balancing the overall taste and color of the dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables and keeps everything from sticking.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth once softened.
- Celery: Offers a gentle crunch and subtle earthiness that complements the meat.
- Garlic: Packs a fragrant punch that elevates the entire soup.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein that lends heartiness without excess fat.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and a lovely color.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Bring natural acidity and sweetness that balance the beef.
- Beef broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Russet potatoes: Add wholesome body and soften to perfection for the ideal soup texture.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to infuse the soup with aromatic warmth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, then sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step forms a fragrant foundation that makes every spoonful taste special.
Step 2: Brown the beef with garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and immediately add the lean ground beef. Cook while breaking the beef up with your spoon, stirring occasionally for roughly 5 minutes. The beef should just brown, sealing in its juices. If a little fat renders out, you can drain some if you prefer, but lean beef means very little fat to worry about.
Step 3: Build the soup’s rich base
Mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, beef broth, diced potatoes, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. This medley starts the transformation from simple ingredients to a cozy, flavorful soup.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection
Turn the heat up and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce it so the soup gently bubbles. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or a little longer if you have the time—the potatoes will soften and the flavors will meld beautifully. This step is where the soup really comes alive.
Step 5: Season and serve
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it up piping hot—you’ll find this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe is even better when fresh and steaming.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top to enhance both the color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream can also add creaminess that contrasts deliciously with the savory broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll for dipping. A simple green salad can also provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, turning an everyday meal into something special. You can also portion it into mason jars for an on-the-go lunch option that’s just as comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers are a tasty bonus.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner version of this soup. Just keep an eye on cooking times because turkey can cook faster and might need a bit less fat or broth adjustments.
Is this soup spicy?
This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to throw in carrots, green beans, or corn to boost nutrition and add more textures. Just adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer the nutrition and rustic look of skins, you can leave them on—just wash thoroughly before dicing.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
This soup has a broth-like consistency but is hearty thanks to the potatoes and meat. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe is everything you want in a simple, satisfying meal—flavorful, nourishing, and effortless to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something warm and homemade without the hassle. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do because nothing beats a bowl of good soup made from scratch. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, rich beef broth, and savory tomato flavors, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. It cooks in about 45 minutes and yields 6 generous servings, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and celery to a large soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, developing a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Beef: Stir in the minced garlic, then add the lean ground beef. Cook until the beef is just browned, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired to keep the soup lean.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the beef mixture, then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, diced potatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can simmer longer to intensify the flavors if desired.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, enjoying this warm and comforting hamburger soup.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat but does not require draining all the fat after browning unless preferred.
- You can substitute Russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes if desired.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before serving.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
