Do Share Recipe

A Cozy Bowl of Comfort: My Go-To Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

Last week, I was craving something cozy but quick. That’s when I made this easy hamburger soup recipe. It came together in under an hour, and the flavors were just what I needed after a long day. The best part? It reminded me of a comforting stew but was way easier to make.

This soup is now one of my top picks for when I want something filling and wholesome. And if you love comfort food, you’ll also want to check out my Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe — another cozy favorite!

What You’ll Need – Ingredients that Make it Delicious

Every ingredient in this soup adds depth and heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why it works.

1 pound ground beef – Gives the soup its protein punch and meaty flavor. Choose lean for less grease.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the beef brown evenly and gives veggies a nice sauté.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and savory depth.
2 medium carrots, diced – Brings color and a hint of natural sweetness.
2 celery stalks, diced – Adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Boosts the savory taste with aromatic flair.
6 cups beef broth – The hearty base; low-sodium broth works best for controlling salt.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) – Adds acidity and color.
1/4 cup tomato paste – Rich, concentrated flavor that thickens the broth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Blends herbs like oregano and basil for that warm flavor.
1 bay leaf – Gives the broth a subtle herbal aroma (remove before serving).
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Makes the soup filling and adds texture.
1 cup frozen green beans – Easy to use and packed with nutrients.
1/2 cup frozen corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and bright color.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking at the end.

Note: This recipe makes enough for approximately 6 servings based on the quantities above.

Delicious Twists and Flavorful Variations

Want to tweak the soup to suit your diet or taste? Here are some simple swaps that make it work for anyone. I use these ideas often when rotating this into my weekly dinner recipes.

Dairy-Free? Great news — it’s already dairy-free!
Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for chopped cauliflower or turnips.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Make It Spicy: A dash of red chili flakes or cayenne gives it a little heat.
Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef, and swap beef broth for veggie broth.

Total Cooking Time – Quick and Worth It

Here’s a breakdown of how long it’ll take to make this soup from start to finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Must-Have Tools to Make It Perfect

Having the right equipment makes this recipe even easier:

Large soup pot or Dutch oven – For browning and simmering everything in one pot.
Wooden spoon – Helps stir without scratching your pot.
Chef’s knife – For chopping veggies quickly and safely.
Cutting board – Keeps prep clean and organized.
Measuring spoons and cups – Ensures balanced flavors and consistent results.

How to Make This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

This recipe is simple but packed with flavor. Here’s how I prepare it at home — no complicated steps or fancy skills needed!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon as it browns. Cook until there’s no pink left. Drain any extra grease if needed, then take the beef out and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until everything softens. This step builds the base flavor of the soup. Then, toss in the garlic and cook for another minute — just until it smells amazing.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Now add the Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Let the mixture come to a boil — you’ll notice the kitchen already smells fantastic.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Beef

Carefully add the diced potatoes into the boiling broth. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Stir in the Final Veggies

Now toss in the frozen green beans and corn. Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll cook quickly and add that final pop of color and freshness. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Extra Tips for Even Better Hamburger Soup

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup even better. Here’s what I recommend:

Use freshly chopped veggies — they cook better than pre-packaged mixes.
Don’t rush the simmering time. The longer it cooks, the more flavor it develops.
If you’re making it ahead, add green beans and corn right before reheating.
Lean ground beef (like 90/10) keeps the soup from becoming greasy.
Add a little grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a creamy touch.

Serving Suggestions – Make It Look and Taste Even Better

This soup is super versatile when it comes to serving. I usually ladle it into deep bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top. A side of warm, crusty bread or buttery biscuits takes it to the next level.

Want something different? Try pairing it with a light salad or even a sandwich for a cozy combo. And if you love warming bowls like this one, you’ll enjoy my Baked Chipotle Cheddar Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe too — spicy, cheesy, and comforting!

Nutritional Information – Balanced and Satisfying

Here’s an estimate of what you’re getting per serving — hearty and wholesome!

Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~22g
Fat: ~12g

Storing Leftovers – Keep It Fresh and Flavorful

Restoring in the Fridge: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion.
Reheating Tips: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hamburger soup is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite. Here’s why it works so well:

Easy to Make: No special cooking skills or tools needed.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients you already have.
Customizable: Change up the vegetables, seasonings, or even the protein.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes a big batch and stores well for later.
Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

A few things can go wrong, but they’re easy to avoid if you know what to look for.

Overcooking the vegetables: Add frozen veggies last to keep them from turning mushy.
Not draining the beef: Greasy soup can be off-putting — always drain the fat.
Too much salt early on: Wait until the end to season so you don’t overdo it.
Skipping the simmer time: Rushing won’t give the flavors enough time to develop.
Forgetting the bay leaf: It adds subtle flavor — just remember to take it out before serving.

More Info for a Better Experience

This soup pairs beautifully with cornbread, crackers, or a fresh baguette.
You can double the batch easily if you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals.
Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end if you want more greens.
Use this recipe as a base and experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Ben Carraoli