Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

This easy hamburger soup recipe is your ticket to a comforting, budget-friendly dinner any night of the week.

Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Better yet, it’s simple to make and a hit with kids and adults alike. So when you need dinner fast, try this hearty hamburger soup.

Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe: Meaty hamburger soup served in a white bowl.

Easy Hamburger Soup

Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich tomato broth. 

This comforting hamburger soup is jam-packed with flavor and nutrition. And it’s a kid-friendly dish everyone will love. 

It’s also affordable and easy to make, which is why it’s sometimes known as “poor man’s soup.”

Ready in half an hour, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can easily change it up to suit your tastes.

Top view of hamburger soup in a white bowl with veggies and meat.

Ingredients

This simple ground beef soup combines pantry staples and inexpensive hamburger meat.

That makes it perfect for anyone hoping to spend less on food this year. Luckily, that doesn’t make it any less tasty!

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

  • Olive Oil: A dash to sauté and bring out the flavors of the beef and onions.
  • Lean Ground Beef: The star of the soup, providing a rich, meaty base.
  • Onion & Garlic: These kitchen staples add depth and aroma to the broth.
  • Beef Broth: The savory, hearty foundation of the soup.
  • Roasted Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: To enrich the broth with a tangy, robust tomato flavor.
  • Dried Basil & Oregano: These herbs infuse the soup with classic Italian seasoning.
  • Yellow Potatoes & Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Diced potatoes bulk out the soup, and the veggies bring pops of color and texture.
  • Salt & Pepper: Season to your taste to round out all the flavors.

Check the bottom of the post for a complete list of ingredients and the full method.

How to Make Hamburger Soup with Vegetables

If you’re a fan of broth based soups, you’ll love this quick hamburger soup recipe.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add and sauté the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Add liquids and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.

4. Toss in the potatoes and veggies. Then, simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

5. Season, serve, and enjoy! How easy is that?

Hamburger soup in a white bowl with carrots, corn kernel, ground meat and tomato sauce.

Can You Make Hamburger Soup in The Crockpot?

Absolutely!

While I love quick hamburger soup on the stove, the slow cooker will enhance the flavors so well.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Sauté the veggies, brown the beef, then toss everything into the crockpot. 

2. Cook for 2-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. 

3. Stir every hour or so and serve when it’s hot.

This method melds the ingredients beautifully, creating a depth of flavor worth the wait. 

Instant Pot Hamburger Soup

While we’re at it, you might want to know how to make hamburger soup in the Instant Pot!

Luckily, it’s just as easy:

  1. Turn the pot to sauté and cook the onions and beef.
  2. Add the garlic, then the tomatoes, and paste.
  3. Cook for a few minutes, then add the broth and potatoes.
  4. Stir in the seasonings, lock the lid in place, and set the pot to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
  5. Release the pressure, add the veg, then cook again for 3 minutes.
  6. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Recipe Variations 

As the chill sets in, I always turn to winter soups and stews for warmth. And this is one of my go-to recipes.

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your easy, comforting hamburger soup:

  • Use lean ground beef. It simplifies the process and keeps the soup grease-free.
  • Add pasta or rice instead of potatoes. Add an extra cup of broth for the pasta or rice to absorb.
  • Incorporate small pasta for a fun texture. Orzo or similar pasta adds a delightful chewiness.
  • Add heat with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. This gives your soup a spicy, flavorful twist.
  • Use ground turkey for a lighter soup. It’s a great way to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
  • Mix in different veggies. Use whatever you have on hand to customize the soup.
  • Give it a Tex-Mex flair with taco seasoning. This transforms the soup into a whole new dish.

If you like your soups thick and stew-like, try this hack: Add a quick slurry (3 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon cornstarch) near the end. Stir until it thickens, and serve right away.

Hamburger soup served on a bowl with mix of veggies and ground meat.

What to Serve with Hamburger Soup

Hamburger soup is filling on its own, making it a perfect centerpiece for a hearty soup dinner.

But if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some great accompaniments:

  • Garlic Bread: Its crispy, buttery goodness pairs wonderfully with the rich soup. 
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft on the inside and golden on the outside, they’re perfect for soaking up the broth.
  • Seasoned Fries: Since it’s hamburger soup, why not go all out with a side of fries?

How to Store

Leftover hamburger soup will keep nicely in the fridge for a few days. 

But it’s not a make-ahead soup recipe. Unfortunately, the potatoes will soften and become grainy over time. 

The good news is, it’s quick to make. So you can make it fresh whenever you like.

Alternatively, make the soup as instructed, but leave the potatoes out. Then, cook and add them separately when you want to eat.

Here’s how to store leftovers:

To Store: Keep the soup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or give it a zap in the microwave (2-3 minutes should do the trick).

Note: I don’t recommend freezing this soup because potatoes don’t thaw out nicely. 

For the best experience, enjoy your soup within a few days of making it.

More Tasty Soup Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Sausage Potato Soup
Easy Ham and Potato Soup
Italian Sausage Soup

Easy Hamburger Soup

Course: SoupCuisine: American
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

306

kcal

This easy hamburger soup recipe is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. And it’s sure to please.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can roasted tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 3 medium yellow potatoes, diced

  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the onion and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the broth, undrained roasted tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Hamburger Soup

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6 thoughts on “Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe”

  1. I love this soup… it was a favorite that my Mom used to make it on Slumber Party nights when I was in high school. Fifteen girls, loud music, giggles, making spirit tags for the football team every week…and Mom’s cooking!
    oh, thanks for instant pot recipe…I want to try it soon

    Reply
    • Hi Willa, yes, you can use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Replace the 14.5-ounce can of roasted tomatoes with an equivalent amount of tomato sauce (about 1 and 3/4 cups). If you like a richer tomato flavor, you can add a bit more, adjusting to taste.

      Reply

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