Warming soups like Zuppa Toscana, Cabbage Soup, and this Hamburger Soup recipe are well-loved in the colder months. P.S. They are perfect for easy meal planning because they reheat well. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
What is Hamburger Soup?
Hamburger soup is a classic, all-American staple made with lean ground beef, tangy tomato broth, and plenty of veggies. It has all the satisfaction of biting into a juicy hamburger, paired with the comfort of a Tomato Soup. It’s also quick and simple to make and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Soup
Aromatic Vegetables – Onions, carrots, and garlic celery are the go-to base for an amazing soup. By cooking them in the pot first, you release amazing aromatics that add such a key depth of flavor to your hamburger soup. If you want an extra serving of veggies, add in some spinach, kale, or green beans. Lean Ground Beef – Opt for 85% lean ground beef (or even leaner) to prevent your soup from coming out too oily. You can even swap the ground beef out for ground turkey. Tomato Paste – enriches the tomato-y flavor of the soup and also helps to thicken it up. Canned Diced Tomatoes – any brand will work, but note that some brands have more added sugar or salt than others so season to taste.Beef Broth – Use homemade if you have it, or use storebought broth.Potatoes – Yukon gold potatoes work best and add a nice, natural buttery flavor.Italian Seasoning – Use your favorite dried Italian seasoning blend or make your own by combing a couple of shakes of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.Salt and Pepper– add to taste, especially at the end of cooking.Fresh Parsley – adding some fresh chopped parsley as a garnish really takes this soup to the next level.
How to Make Hamburger Soup
Once you have all the ingredients prepped, this soup comes together in a pinch. Pro Tip: A dutch oven is one of our favorite kitchen tools for making soup. This 5 1/2 Qt Dutch Oven is our go-to. It conducts heat well and can go from the stovetop to the oven. A good pot can last a lifetime.
Make Ahead
Hamburger soup is a great option for making ahead of time and meal prep. Why? The soup continues to develop its flavor as it marinates in the fridge. To keep it fresh for up to 5 days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will also prevent it from absorbing any lingering smells that might be hanging out in your fridge. Note: Avoid storing leftover hamburger soup in the freezer. The cooked veggies do not reheat well.
Serve With
This hamburger soup is a filling meal in and of itself, but if you’re looking for more well-rounded meal pair the soup with your favorite green salad, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or any of these homemade bread recipes:
Focaccia BreadPita BreadDutch Oven BreadHomemade Baguette
Common Questions
More Comforting Soup Recipes
Corn ChowderChicken Noodle SoupBeef StewChicken Tortilla SoupClam ChowderEasy Beef Barley Soup
I hope this soup recipe ends up on your regular soup rotation. A bowl of Hamburger Soup will warm your belly in the cold winter months. It’s so soothing and satisfying.
