Hamburger Soup Recipe

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. But let’s take it a step further-why not make that soup extra satisfying by adding the flavors of a juicy hamburger? Enter: Hamburger Soup. This hearty, filling, and flavorful dish is perfect for chilly nights, offering a wonderful blend of savory beef, vegetables, and broth in every spoonful. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience-a delicious, soul-soothing experience.

This hamburger soup is more than just a twist on a classic. It combines the best aspects of a hamburger-tender ground beef, crunchy veggies, and rich seasoning-into a one-pot dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead, hamburger soup hits all the right notes: it’s simple, satisfying, and customizable. Let’s dive into the details and walk through the process of making this comforting dish.

Ready to give this a try? You’ll be delighted by how quickly it comes together and how much flavor you can pack into a single bowl. Here’s everything you need to know.

Ingredients Needed

For the base of the soup:

Ground beef (1 lb): This is the main protein that gives the soup its meaty, savory flavor. You can opt for lean ground beef for a lighter option, or go with regular ground beef for more richness.
Onion (1 medium, diced): A classic flavor base. Onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Carrots (2 medium, sliced): They bring a mild sweetness and color to the dish. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients!
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds crunch and an aromatic, slightly peppery flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential for flavor, creating a depth of umami and savory richness in the soup.

For the liquid and seasonings:

Beef broth (4 cups): The heart of the soup’s flavor. You can use chicken broth if you prefer, but beef broth gives the dish its signature richness.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): For acidity and sweetness, these help balance the richness of the beef.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds a deeper tomato flavor and thickness to the soup.
Bay leaves (2): An often-overlooked but essential seasoning that infuses the soup with a subtle herbal aroma.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A dash of this adds umami and depth, enriching the soup’s meaty flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! Adjust depending on your preference.

For the finishing touches:

Frozen peas (1 cup): A pop of color and a burst of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Potatoes (2 medium, diced): Adds heartiness and substance to the soup. You can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes.
Parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh parsley brings a bit of brightness to the final dish.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in a single pot, making cleanup easy and the process even easier.

Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). This step is important to develop flavor, so be sure to get some nice caramelization on the beef.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat.
Sauté The Vegetables
- To the pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion turns translucent.
Build The Soup Base
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the tomato paste dissolves fully into the broth.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Potatoes And Cook
- Once the soup is simmering, add the diced potatoes. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly.
Final Touches
- Add the frozen peas and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the peas are cooked through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed-add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce depending on your preference.
Serve
- Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Serve the hamburger soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef: The choice of ground beef is important-lean ground beef gives a less greasy soup, while regular or even fattier ground beef creates a richer, more indulgent broth. You can even swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation, though the flavor will be milder.
Tomato Paste: While the diced tomatoes give the soup a fresh tomato flavor, the paste adds a deeper, more concentrated umami. It’s the secret to making the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day, even though it’s ready in under an hour.
Bay Leaves: These herbs are often tossed in without much thought, but they really do contribute to the overall taste of the soup. They add a subtle, earthy flavor that makes the soup taste more complex and well-rounded.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the beef, make sure you’re not cramming too much into the pot at once. It’s better to do it in batches to get that nice caramelization.
Make It Ahead of Time: Hamburger soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Try Different Broths: While beef broth is traditional, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter version or want to switch up the flavor profile.
Add Spice: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce while cooking. It’ll elevate the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of hamburger soup is how easily it can be customized. You can swap out ingredients or add new ones to suit your tastes or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetable Hamburger Soup: Add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or corn for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Hamburger Soup: Incorporate diced green chilies or a generous pinch of chili powder to give the soup a bit of heat.
Cheesy Hamburger Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version of the soup.
Herb-Infused: Try adding thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an aromatic twist that complements the savory beef flavor.

Final Words

If you’ve never tried hamburger soup before, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home in a bowl-filling, flavorful, and comforting. It brings all the best elements of a burger-ground beef, veggies, and seasonings-into a warm, brothy dish. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Hamburger Soup Recipe