Hamburger Beef Soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on chilly evenings. I remember my mom making this hearty ground beef and vegetable soup for us after school, and the aroma of simmering broth and savory beef filled our whole house. It’s so satisfying to recreate that warmth, and I’m excited to share exactly how to make hamburger beef soup that tastes just like home. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Beef Soup
This truly is the perfect bowl of comfort, and I think you’ll see why it’s a family favorite!
- Incredible flavor that satisfies every time.
- It’s an easy hamburger soup with minimal fuss.
- Perfectly balanced with wholesome vegetables.
- Budget-friendly, making dinner affordable.
- A truly hearty hamburger soup that fills you up.
- Quick prep gets dinner on the table fast.
- A fantastic way to feed a crowd or your family.
- It’s a simple, straightforward recipe even beginners can master.
Ingredients for Hamburger Beef Soup
To create this delicious ground beef soup with potatoes, you’ll need these simple, wholesome ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – I like to use 80/20 for the best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – this forms the aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential savory depth.
- 3 carrots, sliced – adding sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – for a subtle earthy note.
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced – these make the soup wonderfully hearty.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – undrained, for liquid and flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth – the foundation of our savory soup.
- 1 cup frozen green beans – a convenient way to add veggies.
- 1 tsp dried basil – for a classic herb flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt – or to taste, to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – for a touch of warmth.
How to Make Hamburger Beef Soup
This recipe truly lives up to its name as a one pot hamburger soup, making cleanup a breeze. I love how simple it is to get this delicious meal going on a busy weeknight.
- Step 1: Start by browning the 1 lb ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add the 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot with the beef. Sauté these aromatics for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and smell wonderfully fragrant.
- Step 3: Now, toss in the chopped vegetables: 3 carrots, sliced, 2 celery stalks, chopped, and 3 potatoes, peeled and diced. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly and absorb some of that beefy goodness.
- Step 4: Pour in the 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained, of course!), 4 cups beef broth, and 1 cup frozen green beans. Sprinkle in the 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything for this simple ground beef soup.
- Step 5: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are perfectly tender when you poke them with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
- Step 6: Once the vegetables are tender, give the soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle this hearty hamburger beef soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Beef Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this comforting soup. Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness!
- For the most flavorful soup, don’t skip browning the beef well and draining the fat. This step builds a crucial flavor base.
- Using a good quality beef broth makes a big difference. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- If you want a thicker soup without adding cornstarch, try mashing a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect hamburger beef soup?
The real secret to the perfect bowl of best ground beef soup is building layers of flavor. Browning the beef well and sautéing the aromatics (onion and garlic) before adding liquids is key. It creates a depth of taste you just can’t get otherwise.
Can I make hamburger beef soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the soup completely and let it cool, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if it has thickened too much. It’s even better the next day!
How do I avoid common mistakes with hamburger beef soup?
A common pitfall is not draining the excess grease from the beef, which can make the soup greasy. Another is overcooking the vegetables, turning them mushy. Always cook the beef first, drain it, then add your veggies to cook until tender-crisp.
Best Ways to Serve Hamburger Beef Soup
This comforting soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. I love serving it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping into that rich broth – it’s a simple pleasure that makes the meal feel complete.
For a more substantial meal, consider making a batch of homemade biscuits or cornbread. If you’re craving something a bit different, try pairing it with a simple side salad. For those who enjoy a heartier bowl, adding cooked pasta to make it a delicious hamburger noodle soup is a fantastic idea; just stir in your favorite cooked noodles right before serving and add a splash more broth if needed.
Variations of Hamburger Beef Soup You Can Try
This simple recipe is a fantastic base, and I love experimenting with it! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Hamburger Barley Soup: For a heartier, more textured soup, swap out the potatoes for 1 cup pearl barley. Add the barley along with the broth and simmer until tender, about 45-60 minutes, adding extra liquid if needed.
- Cheesy Hamburger Soup: Want to make it extra decadent? Stir in about 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of simmering until melted and gooey. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed beans for extra protein.
Nutrition Facts for Hamburger Beef Soup
When making this delicious ground beef and vegetable soup, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting in each bowl. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Nutritional values are estimates. Please note that while the provided data suggests a vegetarian diet, this recipe prominently features ground beef. The figures above are based on the common ingredients for this hearty meal.
Print
Hamburger Beef Soup: 5 Amazing Comfort Bowls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Hamburger Beef Soup recipe perfect for a cozy dinner or family meal. This easy one-pot soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, green beans, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Can be made in a slow cooker.
- Ground turkey or chicken mince can be substituted for ground beef.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer or mash some potatoes.
- Add noodles near the end of cooking time, adding extra broth if needed.
- This hamburger beef soup is gluten-free if gluten-free broth is used.
- Adjust seasoning or add Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups, Main Dishes, Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
