Homemade Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hamburger Soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that never fails to warm you up from the inside out. Think of it as the best of both worlds – a satisfying soup that has the meaty goodness of a hamburger, but in a cozy, broth-based form. If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any season, then this is your go-to recipe. The beauty of Hamburger Soup lies in its versatility; you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes, diet, or what’s in your pantry.

It’s a wonderful dish to whip up for the whole family, especially when you need something filling without much fuss. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a group, this recipe can be doubled or halved, making it ideal for leftovers. And let’s not forget about the flavors – the combination of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and savory broth makes this soup an absolute winner.

Ready to dive into this mouthwatering, soul-warming recipe? Let’s go!

Here’s a simple, yet incredibly delicious, homemade Hamburger Soup recipe that will leave you craving more. It’s rich, hearty, and comes together in no time. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you’re in the mood for a bowl of comfort.

Ingredients Needed

1 lb ground beef (lean, 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and fat)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
3 medium carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 cup frozen peas (or any frozen vegetables you like)
2 tsp dried oregano (for a herby kick)
1 tsp dried thyme (adds warmth and depth)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1-2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Optional: 1 bay leaf (adds a subtle, aromatic flavor)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Brown the beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned, making sure to drain excess fat if needed.
Add the aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the veggies: Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes to get a little tender and pick up some of the flavors from the beef and onions.
Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). If you’re using a bay leaf, now is the time to drop it in.
Season the soup: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Finish with peas: Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing them to heat through and infuse their flavor into the soup.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as you see fit.
Serve: Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the soup from the heat. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley (if using), and serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to making Hamburger Soup, the ingredients are simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor. Here’s a breakdown:

Ground Beef: This is the star of the show. The fat content of the beef helps give the soup a rich flavor, but you don’t want to go too high-fat (think 80/20). Lean beef (90/10) can work, but it might lack the depth you get from a little extra fat. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and potatoes provide the perfect mix of sweetness, earthiness, and starchiness. They give the soup body and texture, while also absorbing the flavors of the beef and broth. You can easily swap out vegetables based on your preferences – parsnips, green beans, or even corn would work well.
Broth: Beef broth gives the soup a hearty, savory base. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth. For extra richness, beef bone broth is an excellent option.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (with their juices) bring a slight acidity that balances out the richness of the beef. They also add a nice burst of color and texture to the soup.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano and thyme are classic herbs for Hamburger Soup. They provide a warming, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and veggies. You could easily swap these for rosemary or basil, depending on your preference.

Expert Tips

Sauté your vegetables: Instead of adding raw vegetables straight into the pot, take the time to sauté the carrots, celery, and onions along with the beef. This caramelizes their natural sugars, making the soup even more flavorful.
Broth choices: If you want to elevate the flavor of your soup, try using homemade beef broth or a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine. It adds depth and a slight tang that enhances the overall taste.
Add a splash of vinegar: After the soup is finished, a dash of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a zesty contrast to the richness of the broth. It helps brighten the flavors.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Potatoes and carrots should be tender, but not mushy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can cause them to break down too much and create a soupy texture instead of a chunky one.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Hamburger Soup is its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Low-carb: For a low-carb version, swap the potatoes for cauliflower. It mimics the texture of potatoes while keeping the carb count down.
Spicy Hamburger Soup: Kick up the heat by adding chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. If you love a spicy kick, this will make your soup extra exciting.
Vegetarian Version: To make this a vegetarian dish, swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even lentils. The hearty lentils will soak up the flavors and give the soup a rich, meaty texture.
Slow Cooker Method: If you’re short on time, you can easily turn this recipe into a slow-cooker version. Brown the beef and then throw everything into your slow cooker (except the peas). Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the peas in the last 30 minutes.

Final Words

Hamburger Soup is an easy, comforting dish that’s made to be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or making a batch to feed a crowd, this recipe has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser. The great thing is, you can adjust it to suit whatever’s in your fridge or whatever flavors you’re craving that day. The heartiness of the beef combined with the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the broth makes this a soup that never gets old.

Homemade Hamburger Soup Recipe