On busy nights when you crave something truly comforting but don’t want to fuss, this Easy Hamburger Soup is the answer. Hearty ground beef, tender veggies, and a savory tomato broth come together in one cozy pot—making it a weeknight favorite you’ll make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Comfort Food: Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, bursting with nostalgic, homemade flavor.
- Quick and Fuss-Free: From chopping to simmering, Easy Hamburger Soup comes together in just about 35 minutes.
- Uses Pantry Staples: All the ingredients are basic, budget-friendly, and likely already in your fridge or cupboards.
- Make-Ahead & Family Friendly: It reheats perfectly, so leftovers are never a chore—and picky eaters love it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes Easy Hamburger Soup so legendary, ingredient-wise! Each component is simple on its own, but together they create the perfect balance of heartiness, boldness, and those quintessential “cozy” vibes.
- Lean ground beef: The meaty base for our soup, giving it robust flavor and protein. Tip: Aim for 85-90% lean to keep things lighter but still juicy.
- Onion (diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth that soaks into every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Adds mellow, savory undertones—fresh garlic works best, but jarred is a fine shortcut.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): They soak up the savory broth and make each bowl satisfyingly filling. Yukon Gold or Russets are my go-tos!
- Beef broth: This is your soup’s backbone, infusing every ladleful with deep, rich flavor. Choose low-sodium if you want more salt control.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): A splash of acidity, bursts of tomato goodness, and that vibrant red color we all love.
- Condensed tomato soup: Adds an extra silky body to the broth, plus a touch of sweetness that brings everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce: You only need a dash, but it makes all the difference—think savory, umami depth!
- Italian seasoning: This blend lets you skip hunting for individual herbs, giving you an instant earthy herbal boost.
- Bay leaf: Delivers that subtle “something special” in a slow-simmered soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Always to taste—don’t be shy, seasoning brings it all to life!
- Frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh chopped): Your path to max color and crunch—go classic, or clean out your veggie drawer!
Variations
The beauty of this Easy Hamburger Soup is how customizable it is! Feel free to make it your own—swap ingredients to suit your cravings or dietary needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors.
- Go low-carb: Skip the potatoes and bulk it up with extra veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, or chopped spinach.
- Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you brown the beef for a zesty kick.
- Try a different protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles work fabulously as a substitute for beef.
- Add beans: Toss in a can of drained kidney beans or black beans for extra fiber and a southwestern twist.
- Sweeten things up: Add a small handful of corn kernels or a carrot for a touch of natural sweetness and color.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic all at once. Sauté everything together, breaking the beef into crumbles as you go, until the meat is browned and there’s no more pink—about 4-5 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off extra fat if you see it pooling on the bottom; this keeps your Easy Hamburger Soup broth delicious, not greasy!
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, toss in the peeled, diced potatoes and pour in your beef broth—let those lovely chunks of potato soak up all the meaty goodness! Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and a solid pinch each of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step begins building that rich, classic flavor profile that makes Easy Hamburger Soup so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Simmer
After those first 10 minutes, stir in your frozen mixed vegetables (or whatever fresh veggies you’re using). Cover the pot again and simmer for another 15–20 minutes. The potatoes should end up tender but not mushy, and the veggies will be perfectly cooked—bright, a little crisp, and loaded with color. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Soup
- Flavor-First Browning: Really let your onions and beef get golden for maximum savory depth. Don’t rush the browning—it’s where that “just like mom’s” flavor develops!
- Size Matters: Dice your potatoes and veggies into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same pace and your soup has that gorgeous, uniform look.
- Broth Boost: Taste before serving and add a splash of Worcestershire or an extra swirl of tomato soup if you want your broth even heartier and richer.
- Weeknight Shortcut: If time is tight, use pre-chopped frozen veggies and even pre-diced onion to get Easy Hamburger Soup on the table fast!
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Soup
Garnishes
A steaming bowl of Easy Hamburger Soup is delish all on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions instantly brightens things up. Try a handful of sharp shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a buttery slice of crusty bread, classic saltine crackers, or a fluffy dinner roll to soak up every drop. On the lighter side, serve it with a crisp green salad for a fresh, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-cozy touch, ladle Easy Hamburger Soup into bread bowls or heavy mugs and let everyone customize their toppings. Hosting brunch? Serve mini portions in ramekins as a fun, unexpected starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Hamburger Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Flavors get even deeper overnight, making it one of those magical soups that taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream! Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat Easy Hamburger Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup appears thick after storing or freezing—it’ll be as good as new!
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Easy Hamburger Soup shines with whatever veggies you have. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the potatoes so they cook evenly.
-
Is Easy Hamburger Soup gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your condensed tomato soup and Worcestershire sauce labels since some brands include wheat. Gluten-free alternatives are easy to find if needed.
-
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown your beef, onion, and garlic beforehand, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours—add the veggies halfway through for best texture.
-
What’s the best way to thicken (or thin) the broth?
If you like your Easy Hamburger Soup more stew-like, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash a few potatoes into the mix. Prefer it thinner? Add more beef broth or a splash of water until it’s just right for you.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a bowl of Easy Hamburger Soup that’s irresistibly inviting—and now you know every trick to make it your own! Grab those pantry staples, simmer up a pot, and let the simple magic of homemade soup bring everyone together. You’re going to love it, I promise!
Print
Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables:
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables or fresh chopped vegetables
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef Mixture: In a large pot, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Add Soup Base: Add potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 692mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
