If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you’ll adore this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe. It combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich tomato flavors into a warm and satisfying bowl that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup is sure to become your go-to for both its simplicity and soul-satisfying taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is half the fun with this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role from adding depth of flavor to balancing textures and colors, making your soup not just nourishing but beautiful in the bowl.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness while sautéing your veggies to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Provides a gentle aromatic base that melds perfectly with the beef.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped): Offers a crisp, fresh note that brightens the soup and adds lovely texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with deep savory undertones and warmth.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): The main protein, giving hearty flavor and satisfying bite without excess grease.
- Tomato paste (2 heaping tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor, providing a rich, luscious base for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes (28-ounce can, with juices): Bring bright acidity and lovely chunks that dissolve slowly as the soup simmers.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Adds body and depth, making the soup hearty and flavorful while keeping it silky smooth.
- Russet potatoes (2 large, peeled & diced): Soak up the savory broth and lend a creamy texture as they cook down.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A perfect herb blend that ties the dish together with subtle herbal freshness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot, then toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until these veggies soften and their natural sweetness starts to shine through. This step lays the perfect aromatic foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring it around just until fragrant. Then, add your ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is nicely browned—about 5 minutes. If you’re using lean beef, there’s usually not much grease, but feel free to drain any excess fat to keep the soup light yet flavorful.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Liquid Ingredients
Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste to help build that deep, rich tomato flavor. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the beef broth. Finally, toss in the diced potatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top, giving everything a good stir.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil over higher heat, then reduce it so the soup gently bubbles. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. If you want an even richer taste, feel free to cook it a bit longer—patience here really rewards your taste buds.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give your soup a final taste, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve it up hot for a nourishing, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like it was made with love (because it was!).
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your soup experience instantly. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese also adds creamy richness that complements the robust flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls can turn it into a complete feast. A simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette brings brightness that balances the hearty soup wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy, rustic vibe, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or deep, rustic-style bowls to soak up every drop. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of a spicy kick, or even stir in some cooked rice or pasta for extra texture and heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing
This soup also freezes very well, making it great for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months—perfect for when you want a quick homemade comfort meal.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, just add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still provides plenty of protein and texture. Just brown it the same way as beef and continue with the recipe.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
To amp up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce when serving. You can also include diced jalapeños early in the sautéing step for a fresh, spicy kick.
Is it okay to use other types of potatoes?
Yes, though Russet potatoes give the best texture as they hold their shape well while softening. Yukon Gold potatoes work nicely too and add a creamy, buttery flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are tender.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is meant to be somewhat brothy but hearty. If you prefer it thicker, you can mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot or let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a simple, satisfying soup that feels like it’s been simmering in your kitchen for hours, even though this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy those comforting flavors as much as I do. It’s a perfect dish to warm your heart and your belly all year round.
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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, comforting dish made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tomato base. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this soup combines tender potatoes, savory beef broth, and Italian seasoning to deliver a delicious, family-friendly dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Meat & Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
Others
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 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. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Stir in the minced garlic followed by the lean ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned throughout, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if desired to reduce grease.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Mix in the tomato paste thoroughly, then add the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, diced potatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over increased heat. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle boil or simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld. You can extend cooking time for a richer taste if preferred.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup immediately hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and minimize draining excess grease.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for soups as they hold shape well and add creaminess.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or green beans for more variety and nutrition.
- This soup also freezes well — let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Adjust Italian seasoning amounts based on your flavor preference or use a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
