Hamburger Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially one that has the richness of a juicy hamburger without the need for a bun. If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple, delicious, and satisfying-one that feels like a warm hug in a bowl-then the Hamburger Soup from Pioneer Woman is a must-try. The great thing about this soup is that it’s not only tasty, but also incredibly easy to make. It combines classic ground beef with vegetables, broth, and seasonings, transforming humble ingredients into a family-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy.

Perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling, this recipe promises a hearty meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this Hamburger Soup is sure to be a hit.

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for her down-to-earth and comforting recipes, and her Hamburger Soup is no exception. What sets this soup apart is how it’s rich in flavor yet light enough to feel like a satisfying, not heavy, meal. This recipe is packed with vegetables and ground beef, making it a great option for those looking for something that’s both nutritious and tasty.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility-you can easily tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. But even at its core, this soup is bursting with flavor. Here’s how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of all the essentials you’ll need for this delightful Hamburger Soup. The ingredients are simple but combine to create an incredibly flavorful, well-rounded soup:

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean, like 85% lean beef)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (or use chicken broth if you prefer)
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for an extra depth of umami)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 cup water (you can adjust based on desired consistency)

This is the base, but feel free to get creative and add in other veggies like peas, green beans, or even some bell peppers!

Cooking Instructions

Making this Hamburger Soup is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything and bring it to a simmer.
Add Potatoes and Carrots: Toss in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. These root vegetables add both texture and flavor to the soup, making it hearty and filling. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add Seasonings and Corn: Now, stir in the salt, pepper, basil, oregano, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the frozen corn kernels as well and continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup seems too thick, you can add the cup of water-or more, depending on your desired consistency. Stir to combine, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if necessary.
Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the flavors are well balanced, ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. You can top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients can elevate your cooking game. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components:

Ground Beef: It’s the star of the dish. Ground beef provides both protein and richness, forming the flavorful base of the soup. You can choose a leaner cut (like 85% lean) to reduce the fat content, or opt for a fattier mix (like 70% lean) for more flavor.
Tomato Paste: This ingredient is a secret weapon for depth of flavor. Tomato paste packs a punch of concentrated tomato taste that gives the soup a rich, savory backdrop. It thickens the broth as well, giving it more body.
Potatoes: The humble potato adds a perfect starchy element, making the soup more filling. They absorb the broth and flavors beautifully, turning each bite into a warm, satisfying mouthful.
Carrots and Corn: These vegetables offer a slight sweetness and natural vibrancy to balance out the richness of the beef. They also contribute a lovely texture to the soup, making each spoonful more interesting.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little bit of this sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that really enhances the beef. It gives the soup an almost meaty depth that makes it even more crave-worthy.

Expert Tips

To make this recipe even better, here are a few expert tips:

Sear the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning step. Browning the ground beef thoroughly caramelizes it, which builds a richer flavor profile. This step is key to achieving the best-tasting soup.
Make it Ahead: Hamburger soup actually gets better the next day! If you have the time, prepare it the night before and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors will deepen, making for an even tastier meal.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach would work great in this soup. Just be mindful of cooking times-some veggies may need to be added later on to avoid overcooking.
Freeze Leftovers: If you have extra soup, it freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

There are several ways to mix things up and make this Hamburger Soup your own:

Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic. It’ll bring a delightful warmth to the soup.
Add Beans: You can add canned beans (such as kidney beans or black beans) for a heartier soup. Just rinse and drain them before adding them in.
Cheesy Version: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a cheesy twist. You could even melt the cheese on top under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust.
Swap Meat: If you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground “meat”, this soup is adaptable. It’ll still have the same comforting feel, but with a lighter or vegetarian option.

Final Words

This Hamburger Soup from Pioneer Woman is one of those recipes that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s uncomplicated yet rich in flavor, satisfying, and easy to tweak according to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something to fill your belly after a long day, this soup is here to deliver comfort and warmth in every bite.

It’s the kind of recipe that you can rely on when you need a meal that’s both filling and heartwarming. Plus, it’s so flexible that you can always make it your own.

Hamburger Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe