When the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Hamburger Soup, with its savory flavors and hearty ingredients, is one of those dishes that brings warmth to both the stomach and soul. It’s a family favorite, easy to prepare, and satisfies hunger with its delicious combination of ground beef, vegetables, and tender potatoes.
PrintHamburger Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Bowl of Goodness
🍲🍖 Hamburger Soup is the cozy bowl of comfort you’ve been craving! 😋 Packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings. 🥕🌿 Warm up your soul with this satisfying dish. Ready to dive in? 🍴
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 sticks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef (85% or leaner)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 5 1/2-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This will create the aromatic base for the soup, with the sweet smell of onions and carrots filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Once the vegetables are softened, add the 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef to the pot. Break the beef apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and turns golden brown. This step takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef browns, it will release savory juices, which will add flavor to the soup’s broth.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and canned diced tomatoes (with juices) into the pot. The garlic will become fragrant, and the tomato paste will help thicken the broth while adding a rich tomato flavor. Then, add the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together and season the soup with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will cook until tender, and the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender and the soup has reached the desired consistency, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preferences. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a meatless version, you can easily swap the ground beef with lentils or beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Extra Veggies: Add in more vegetables such as corn, green beans, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutritional content of the soup.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the soup just before serving. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
This Hamburger Soup recipe is loaded with tender ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables that create a rich, flavorful broth. It’s not just a soup—it’s a meal in a bowl, perfect for cooler months or whenever you crave something hearty yet wholesome. The ground beef, combined with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, infuses the soup with deep, comforting flavors. With its chunky vegetables and satisfying potatoes, it makes for an all-in-one dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why This Hamburger Soup is So Special
What makes Hamburger Soup stand out from other soups is its versatility and heartiness. Unlike lighter broths or brothy soups that leave you feeling hungry soon after, this soup is rich and satisfying. The ground beef offers a savory base, and the diced tomatoes add a perfect hint of acidity and sweetness, while the potatoes and vegetables offer texture and balance. This combination makes Hamburger Soup the ideal comfort food—filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Not only does this soup pack an abundance of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to customize. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or use what you have in your kitchen. Want a lighter version? Use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef. Want to add more veggies? Add spinach, green beans, or corn. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, making it the perfect base for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
The Ingredients Breakdown
This Hamburger Soup recipe includes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays an important role, contributing to the flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction of the soup. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil serves as the base for sautéing the vegetables. It provides richness and flavor to the soup without overwhelming the other ingredients. Olive oil is also a healthier fat choice compared to butter, making it ideal for this dish.
2. Onion
A finely diced onion is essential for creating a flavorful foundation for the soup. As the onion softens and cooks, it releases its natural sweetness, which balances the savory flavors of the beef and broth.
3. Carrot
Carrots add a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. When sliced thinly, they cook quickly, softening to create a tender bite in every spoonful.
4. Celery
Celery adds a crunchy texture and fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the soup. It complements the other vegetables and beef, adding a layer of complexity to the broth.
5. Ground Beef (or Chicken/Beef)
The star ingredient of this Hamburger Soup is, of course, the ground beef. This recipe calls for lean ground beef (85% or leaner), which provides the soup with a savory, meaty flavor. If you want to make a lighter version, you can substitute the beef with ground chicken or turkey. Ground chicken or turkey will give the soup a more neutral flavor, allowing the vegetables and seasonings to shine. Alternatively, you can use ground beef for a richer, more traditional flavor.
6. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste thickens the soup and enhances its flavor, adding a rich tomato undertone to the broth. It also helps to balance the acidity from the diced tomatoes.
7. Garlic
Minced garlic adds an aromatic depth to the soup, making it fragrant and flavorful. Garlic pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables, infusing the broth with its distinct, savory essence.
8. Canned Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes are key in creating the soup’s rich, tangy broth. They provide a base of acidity and sweetness, which helps balance out the savory ground beef and creates a wonderfully flavorful broth.
9. Beef Broth
Beef broth is essential for creating the soup’s base. It adds a savory depth of flavor and ensures that the soup is hearty and filling. If you want to reduce sodium content, you can opt for low-sodium beef broth or even chicken broth for a slightly lighter taste.
10. Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this soup because they hold their shape well after cooking and add a creamy texture to the broth. When peeled and chopped into cubes, they cook quickly and add heartiness to the soup. They absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining a slight firmness.
11. Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs and spices like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, Italian seasoning adds an aromatic, herbaceous note to the soup. It’s perfect for this recipe because it complements the beef and tomatoes beautifully, infusing the broth with a warm, cozy flavor.
12. Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the soup. You can adjust the salt and pepper to taste, depending on how much seasoning you prefer.
13. Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at the end adds a burst of color and a touch of fresh, bright flavor. It’s the perfect garnish that elevates the presentation of the soup and balances the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make this delightful Hamburger Soup. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 5 1/2-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This will create the aromatic base for the soup, with the sweet smell of onions and carrots filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Once the vegetables are softened, add the 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef to the pot. Break the beef apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and turns golden brown. This step takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef browns, it will release savory juices, which will add flavor to the soup’s broth.
Step 3: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and canned diced tomatoes (with juices) into the pot. The garlic will become fragrant, and the tomato paste will help thicken the broth while adding a rich tomato flavor. Then, add the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together and season the soup with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will cook until tender, and the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender and the soup has reached the desired consistency, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preferences. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma
As you take a spoonful of this Hamburger Soup, the first thing you’ll notice is the comforting warmth that envelops your senses. The savory, slightly earthy flavors of the ground beef blend beautifully with the acidity of the diced tomatoes, creating a perfect balance. The potatoes are soft and creamy, absorbing the rich broth and complementing the textures of the vegetables. The carrots and celery retain a slight bite, providing just the right amount of crunch in each bite. The garlic and Italian seasoning lend depth and warmth to the soup, while the fresh parsley adds a pop of brightness.
The aroma of this soup is simply irresistible. As it simmers, your kitchen will be filled with the savory scent of cooking beef, garlic, and tomatoes. The smell alone will make your mouth water and set the stage for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Customization and Variations
One of the best things about Hamburger Soup is how customizable it is. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a meatless version, you can easily swap the ground beef with lentils or beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Extra Veggies: Add in more vegetables such as corn, green beans, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutritional content of the soup.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the soup just before serving. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, flavorful topping.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger Soup is a hearty, all-in-one meal that doesn’t require much else. However, if you want to make it a complete dinner, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. A slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft, tender vegetables and beef. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help balance out the richness of the soup.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Soup recipe is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening. It’s satisfying, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare. With its rich broth, tender ground beef, and hearty vegetables, it’s a complete meal in a bowl that will leave everyone feeling content and comforted. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a big batch to share with friends, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite.
So, grab your ingredients, gather your family around, and enjoy a delicious, homemade bowl of Hamburger Soup. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, and it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.