Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together the richness of seasoned ground beef, the freshness of colorful vegetables, and a savory broth that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. This soup is a perfect meal for any day of the week, whether it’s a chilly winter evening, a busy weekday dinner, or just whenever you need something that feels like home.

What makes this soup so fantastic is its versatility and the simplicity of its ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes creativity but also satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or ingredients. Let’s dive in and explore the Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup recipe in detail, so you can make this family-friendly meal right in your kitchen!

Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Here’s how you can whip up a pot of this savory soup that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s simple, hearty, and full of those comforting flavors we all crave. So, grab your ingredients, get your cooking tools ready, and let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup, you’ll need a handful of common ingredients. Here’s the full list:

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef is ideal, but you can also use a fattier cut for more flavor.
• 1 onion – Chopped, to provide a base of flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced for that aromatic punch.
• 4 cups beef broth – This is the base of your soup, so choose a good-quality broth.
• 2 cups water – For adjusting the consistency of the soup.
• 1 cup carrots – Sliced or chopped into small pieces.
• 1 cup celery – Diced to add crunch and freshness.
• 2 potatoes – Peeled and diced, they’ll make the soup more filling.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – This adds sweetness and acidity to balance the rich beef.
• 1 cup frozen peas – For a burst of color and sweetness.
• 1 cup green beans – Cut into small pieces, for added texture.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – A fragrant herb to elevate the soup’s flavor.
• 1 tsp dried basil – Another herb for depth of flavor.
• 1 bay leaf – For extra seasoning as it simmers.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, as you adjust for your preferred seasoning.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and beef.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process! Making this soup is super straightforward, and it’ll come together in about an hour or so. Here’s how you do it:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Vegetables

   • Pour in the beef broth and water, and stir well. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes, peas, and green beans. Bring everything to a simmer.

4. Season The Soup

   • Sprinkle in the thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.

6. Final Adjustments

   • Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot. Pair with some crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Now that we know how to make the soup, let’s break down why each ingredient plays such a crucial role in making this dish so flavorful and satisfying:

• Ground Beef

  The beef is the foundation of the soup’s flavor. As it cooks, it releases its rich, savory juices, which infuse the broth and vegetables. Opt for lean beef to keep the soup a little lighter, but a fattier blend will add extra richness.

• Beef Broth

  The broth provides the liquid base of the soup, and it’s important to use a high-quality beef broth to get that deep, meaty flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, depending on your time and preference.

• Carrots & Celery

  These two vegetables form the classic mirepoix, the flavor base for many soups and stews. The carrots add a natural sweetness, while the celery gives the soup a refreshing crunch.

• Potatoes

  Potatoes add substance and make the soup more filling. They absorb the broth’s flavors and turn wonderfully soft after simmering. Plus, they help thicken the soup naturally.

• Frozen Peas And Green Beans

  These veggies add pops of color and sweetness, making the soup feel more vibrant. Frozen peas, in particular, are a great addition because they cook quickly and retain their fresh taste.

• Tomatoes

  The diced tomatoes bring a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the beef and adds a bit of acidity to cut through the savory depth.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup to the next level? Here are some pro tips that will help:

• Sear The Beef Well

  Make sure the ground beef gets nice and browned before you add the other ingredients. This caramelization will deepen the flavor of the soup and create a richer base.

• Use Homemade Broth

  If you have time, homemade beef broth will elevate the flavor of the soup. You can make it in advance and freeze it for future use.

• Add Extra Seasonings

  Experiment with adding other herbs and spices like oregano, rosemary, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

• Make It Ahead

  This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

• For A Thicker Soup

  If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot or add some cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations

This Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Swap The Ground Beef

  Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even ground sausage for a bit of extra spice and flavor.

• Use Different Vegetables

  You can add or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Try adding zucchini, corn, parsnips, or even spinach for a green twist.

• Make It Spicy

  If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the soup. It’ll bring a nice kick to the dish.

• Vegan Version

  For a vegetarian take, swap the beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Words

Hamburger Beef Vegetable Soup is a timeless, comfort-filled dish that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction without being overly complicated. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a cozy dinner, or looking to have leftovers for the week, this recipe delivers. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, and it’s adaptable to suit your personal tastes.

The beauty of this soup lies in its balance: rich beef flavor, tender vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s simple, but the flavors are deep and well-rounded. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and turn them into something extraordinary.