There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a bowl! This hamburger soup recipe is one of my absolute favorites, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it comes together quicker than you can say “what’s for dinner?”
I remember the first time I made this soup for my family. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something that would not only fill our bellies but also warm our hearts. As the rich aroma of beef and veggies simmered on the stove, I could already hear the excitement in my kids’ voices. They couldn’t wait to dive in! It was such a hit that we now make it regularly, and every time, it brings back those cozy memories. The best part? You can customize it however you like! So grab your pot and let’s make some delicious hamburger soup together!
Ingredients for Hamburger Soup Recipe
This soup is all about simple, hearty ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get a little creative! You can add in other veggies like bell peppers or corn if you have them on hand. This recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
How to Prepare Hamburger Soup
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious hamburger soup! I’ll guide you through each step so you can feel confident in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy this is!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First off, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add your pound of ground beef and let it cook. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it browns, making sure it cooks evenly. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s browned, don’t forget to drain any excess fat! You want the beef to be flavorful, not greasy. Just tilt the pot slightly and pour out the fat, or use a slotted spoon to scoop it out.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, it’s time to add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Toss them right into the pot with the beef. Cook these for about 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step is super important because it really brings out the flavors in your soup. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Now, let’s bring in the stars of the show—those hearty veggies! Add in the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Pour in the beef broth, too. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic begins, so make sure all those delicious ingredients are well mixed!
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
It’s time to crank up the heat! Bring the mixture to a boil. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to low. This step is key because it helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Yum!
Step 5: Season the Soup
Now for a little flavor boost! Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and take a quick taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning if needed. If you love a bit more flavor, feel free to add a touch more salt or pepper!
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This is where the veggies get tender and all those wonderful flavors dance together. Just check on it every now and then to make sure it’s not boiling over. You want it nice and gentle!
Step 7: Add Frozen Peas
After the veggies are tender, it’s time to add the frozen peas. Stir them in and let everything cook for another 5 minutes. This will make the peas nice and vibrant, adding a lovely pop of color and texture to your soup. They’re a perfect finishing touch!
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once everything is cooked and you’re just about ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot! I love serving this hamburger soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight!
- Hearty ingredients like ground beef and fresh veggies make it incredibly satisfying.
- This soup is a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
- You can easily customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand—get creative!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Tips for Success
Making this hamburger soup is a breeze, but I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve to help you avoid common pitfalls and make it even more delicious! Let’s make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Make sure you cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. This step adds so much flavor to the soup, so don’t rush it! If it looks a bit pink, keep cooking it until it’s nice and brown.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep an eye on your vegetables while they simmer. You want them tender but still holding their shape. If you overcook them, they can turn mushy, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about tasting your soup at different stages. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Want it saltier? Go for it! A bit more pepper? Yes, please!
- Get creative with veggies: If you have other vegetables lying around, toss them in! Bell peppers, corn, or even green beans can be great additions. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Let it rest: If you can, let your soup sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making each bite even tastier!
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any soup left (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a fantastic hamburger soup that your whole family will love. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this cozy hamburger soup! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so think of these as estimates to guide you. Here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1 bowl):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This soup is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients from the veggies and protein from the beef, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
FAQ About Hamburger Soup Recipe
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any delicious hamburger soup left, just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This hamburger soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well in the freezer for about 2–3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Easy peasy!
What vegetables can I substitute?
You can totally mix it up! If you don’t have carrots or potatoes, try adding green beans, corn, or even zucchini. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the other ingredients. This soup is all about using what you have on hand!
How many servings does this recipe make?
This hamburger soup recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week! If you need more, you can easily double the recipe.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge, and enjoy it warmed up for an easy meal!
Is this soup spicy?
Not at all! It’s a mild, comforting soup. But if you like a kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce when seasoning to give it a spicy twist. Customize it to suit your taste!
Hamburger Soup Recipe: 7 Hearty Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty hamburger soup that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your soup.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- For a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: hamburger soup recipe, easy soup, comfort food
