If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of rich, savory beef, tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and just the right touch of herbs and seasonings that come together in one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing something comforting to enjoy on your own, this soup delivers all the cozy, hearty flavors you’d hope for in a homestyle classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in bringing this soup to life. From the savory depth that ground beef provides, to the comforting texture of potatoes and the colorful pop of mixed vegetables, every element is purposeful and delicious.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This gets your soup started by gently sautéing the beef and aromatics without sticking or burning.
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that is the heart of the soup.
- 1 large onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives your broth a lovely richness and color.
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang, enhancing the savory character.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A herby blend that warms up the soup and gives it a classic flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity from tomato paste and broth for a smoother taste.
- 2 medium potatoes (½-inch cubes): These bring heartiness and a comforting texture as they soften in the broth.
- 3 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that adds freshness, crunch, and variety.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all your ingredients.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the lean ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Let them cook together for around 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef loses its pink hue and the onions become tender and fragrant. This step is crucial because browning the beef develops that deep, savory flavor foundation.
Step 2: Build the Brothy Base
Once your beef mixture looks beautifully cooked, stir in the tomato paste for a burst of rich tomato flavor. Pour in the beef broth, and add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a touch of sugar. Bringing it all to a boil combines the ingredients perfectly. After the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it gently cook for 10 minutes. This soft simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Simmer to Perfection
Now for the fun part: the hearty potatoes and vibrant frozen mixed vegetables. Add them to the pot and return to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook together for 10 to 15 minutes until those potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Taste your soup before serving and season with salt and pepper to fit your perfect flavor profile – this final pinch of seasoning makes all the difference in your Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing elevates your soup from comforting to special. Try sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a melty, flavorful topper. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of plain yogurt can add creaminess and a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the savory broth.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread is a perfect partner for sopping up all that delicious broth. A simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can add contrast and brighten the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve your Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls or pretty stoneware mugs to keep things warm and inviting. Ladle into colorful bowls and pair with small plates of grated Parmesan or chili flakes for guests to customize their bowls. This makes the meal interactive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep nicely for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner the following days with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to make this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe truly convenient, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Frozen soup will maintain its quality for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prepping or busy nights.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your stored soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, just cover and heat in one-minute bursts until hot. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the texture if it feels too thick after storage.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef?
Absolutely! While traditional ground beef lends a robust flavor, lean ground turkey or chicken work well too and create a lighter version without sacrificing heartiness.
What if I don’t have frozen mixed vegetables on hand?
No worries. Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, corn, or green beans can be used instead. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still capture that warm, satisfying essence of the soup.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely. Add crushed red pepper flakes during simmering or serve with hot sauce for a customizable kick to your Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is meant to be hearty but brothy, so it shouldn’t be too thick like a stew. The combination of broth, vegetables, and tender beef results in a balanced, satisfying texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is a delightful mix of simple ingredients and straightforward steps that come together to create a nutritious, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s such a joy to make and share, promising both comfort and flavor in every spoonful. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings to your table as much as I do!
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Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hamburger Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family meal. Made with lean ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a rich beef broth base enriched with tomato paste and aromatic seasonings, it cooks quickly on the stovetop for an easy dinner option. The combination of fresh and frozen ingredients creates a balanced, filling soup packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 3 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables and beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are softened.
- Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook potatoes and vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Return to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the soup lower in fat.
- Feel free to substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies.
- Adjust salt carefully depending on the saltiness of your broth.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
