Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe

Name: Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 potatoes, diced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: May 23, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about a pot of hamburger soup simmering on the stove—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. I grew up with this recipe, and it never fails to bring back memories of chilly evenings when my mom would whip it up in no time. What I love most is how simple it is—just ground beef, veggies, and a rich broth—but the flavors are anything but basic. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this hamburger soup is a winner every time. And trust me, leftovers taste even better the next day!

Hamburger Soup - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

This isn’t just any soup—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Effortless to make: Just brown the beef, toss in the veggies, and let it simmer. No fancy techniques, I promise.
Easy on the wallet: Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
Packed with good stuff: Ground beef for protein, potatoes for heartiness, and carrots and celery for a veggie boost. Comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition.
Weeknight hero: Ready in under an hour, so it’s perfect when you need dinner fast.

One bite, and you’ll see why this soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years.

Ingredients for Hamburger Soup

Grab these simple ingredients—nothing fancy, just good, honest flavors that come together beautifully:

1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute with ground lamb for a richer taste)
1 onion, diced (yellow or white—whatever’s in your pantry)
2 carrots, sliced (don’t skip these—they add sweetness!)
2 celery stalks, chopped (leaves included for extra flavor)
3 potatoes, diced (I like Yukon Gold for their buttery texture)

4 cups beef broth (homemade if you have it, or a good-quality store-bought)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juices—don’t drain!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (rub it between your fingers to wake up the aroma)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if you’ve got it)
Salt and pepper to taste (start light—you can always add more later)

That’s it! No complicated spices or hard-to-find items. Just toss everything in the pot and let the magic happen.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this soup develops layers of flavor while you barely lift a finger. Here’s how I make it:

Brown the beef first: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it get some color—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Those browned bits equal big flavor later.
Soften the veggies: Push the beef to one side and toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Stir everything together and cook until the onions turn translucent—about 3-4 minutes. You’ll smell that sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
Bring it all together: Add the potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes (juices and all!), thyme, and oregano. Give it a good stir—scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s liquid gold!
Simmer to perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it bubble gently for 20 minutes—just enough time for the potatoes to soften and the flavors to marry.
Taste and season: Now’s the time! Add salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with ½ teaspoon salt and a few cracks of pepper, then adjust from there.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

Drain excess fat: If your beef releases lots of grease, spoon some out before adding veggies—but leave a little for flavor.
Adjust thickness: Like it heartier? Add another potato. Prefer more broth? Stir in a splash of water or extra beef broth.
Extra veggies welcome: Toss in a handful of frozen peas or green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Make it ahead: This soup gets better as it sits! Let it cool completely before storing—the flavors deepen overnight.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Soup

This soup is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread for dunking—nothing beats soaking up that rich broth! A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heartiness perfectly. For chilly nights, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese on top for extra coziness.

Storing and Reheating Hamburger Soup

This soup keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—though mine never lasts that long. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the bowl and stir every minute. Want to freeze it? Portion it into containers (leave some headspace) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll taste just like fresh!

Hamburger Soup Variations

One of the best things about this soup? It’s endlessly adaptable! Try swapping sweet potatoes for regular ones—they add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory broth. Craving extra protein? Toss in a can of rinsed kidney beans or lentils during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap the beef for ground lamb—it gives the soup a rich, deep flavor. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own!

Hamburger Soup - detail 1

Hamburger Soup Nutrition

One serving of this hearty soup (about 1 1/2 cups) packs roughly 280 calories with 20g protein to keep you full. You’re looking at 10g fat (4g saturated), 25g carbs, and a solid 4g fiber from all those veggies. Sodium hits around 600mg depending on your broth—so go low-sodium if needed. Of course, exact numbers change based on your ingredients, but it’s comfort food you can feel good about!

Hamburger Soup FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! It’ll be lighter but still delicious. Just add an extra teaspoon of thyme or oregano to boost the flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef first (trust me, it makes a difference), then dump everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I thicken the soup? Mash some potatoes against the pot’s side—instant thickness! Or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it in during the last 5 minutes.
Can I freeze hamburger soup? Perfectly! Just skip the potatoes if you can—they get mealy when frozen. Add fresh ones when reheating instead.
What if I don’t have beef broth? No sweat! Use vegetable broth or even water with an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Still stumped? Drop your question in the comments—I’m happy to help troubleshoot!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my go-to hamburger soup that never lets me down! Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy cooking, friends—may your soup pot always be full!