Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger soup is a perfect one-pot meal. It’s quick to prepare, filled with nutritious vegetables, and rich in flavor from the beef broth and ground beef. The soup is incredibly versatile, and you can add or omit ingredients based on your preferences. It's a deliciously hearty and filling option for lunch or dinner, and it makes great leftovers, too!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, and frozen peas to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then season the soup with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add more vegetables: You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Use ground turkey: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Herb variations: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added for more depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat on the stove.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
2. Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, you can add small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini to make it more filling. If you do, add the pasta in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. How can I thicken this soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked, or add a tablespoon of flour to the broth and stir it in before simmering.
5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
7. How can I make this soup more flavorful?
Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add extra garlic, onion powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
8. Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, you can add kidney beans, black beans, or any other type of beans for more protein and fiber.
9. How long does it take for the vegetables to soften?
It typically takes 20-25 minutes for the carrots, potatoes, and celery to become tender when simmering.
10. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This Hearty Hamburger Soup is the perfect one-pot meal that combines the comforting flavors of a classic hamburger with tender vegetables and savory broth. It’s easy to make, customizable, and filling, making it an ideal option for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a meal prep, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Hamburger Soup is a satisfying, one-pot meal packed with tender ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. Filled with nutritious carrots, peas, potatoes, and seasoned with oregano and basil, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, this soup is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas. Stir to combine.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.
Notes
- This soup is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For a heartier option, add small pasta like elbow macaroni in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
