Name: Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.4 from 39 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, filling, and utterly delicious soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the richness of ground beef with the freshness of mixed vegetables and tender potatoes, all simmered in a savory broth that makes every spoonful irresistible. Perfect for chilly nights, quick dinners, or when you want a meal that brings family and friends together, this soup is straightforward to make but packed with layered flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.

A bright flat lay of fresh and vibrant ingredients for homemade hamburger soup neatly arranged on a clean white marble surface. Two tablespoons of golden olive oil in a small glass bowl, a mound of raw lean ground beef with a rich red color and marbled texture, a large onion diced into small white and purple pieces, four peeled garlic cloves finely minced on a wooden cutting board. Nearby, a small can of deep red tomato paste with its smooth, glossy texture visible, a clear glass container filled with dark amber beef broth, a small jar of Worcestershire sauce with a glossy, dark brown liquid inside, and a wooden spoon dusted with Italian seasoning herbs showing green and dried leaf textures. A heap of cubed pale yellow potatoes, a pile of colorful frozen mixed vegetables with visible peas, carrots, corn, and green beans, and small piles of coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns arranged artistically. The ingredients are spaced evenly with natural soft daylight highlighting their fresh textures and vibrant colors, styled with rustic kitchen tools and linen napkins nearby. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a symphony of tastes and textures. Each component adds something special — from the rich, hearty beef to the vibrant mixed vegetables and cozy potatoes — making this soup a balanced and satisfying meal.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to sauté ingredients gently and add depth to the flavor.
2 pounds lean ground beef: Lean beef keeps the soup hearty without too much grease.
1 large onion (diced): Offers sweetness and an aromatic base to the soup.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of flavor and warmth.
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Brings rich tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful liquid foundation for the soup’s body and warmth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy, slightly savory note that elevates the soup.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that layers in an earthy, herbal brightness.
½ teaspoon sugar: Balances out the acidity from the tomato paste perfectly.
2 medium potatoes (½-inch cubes): Bring heartiness and a comforting, creamy texture when cooked.
3 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrients, and a variety of textures to this luscious soup.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together just right.

How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef, Onions, and Garlic

The first step is all about developing that rich base flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the lean ground beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for 8 to 9 minutes, until the beef loses its pink color and the onions become fragrant and slightly translucent. This combination is the heart of the soup, infusing it with warmth and savory depth.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Broth Mixture

Next, stir in the tomato paste, which anchors the soup with its robust tomato essence. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a touch of sugar. Bring everything up to a boil to meld the flavors, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the broth to become infused with the beef and aromatic herbs, building a beautifully rich and fragrant foundation.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Vegetables

Finally, add the cubed potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Bring the soup back to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are heated through but still vibrant. Now is the time to taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your liking. This step balances the dish perfectly, ensuring a comforting texture and vibrant flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little something extra on top takes your Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe from simple to stunning. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese can add creaminess and richness, making each spoonful even more indulgent. A crack of black pepper on top does wonders to awaken your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own but pairing it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even buttery crackers brings a delightful textural contrast. A side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can brighten the meal and add some freshness. Pick your favorite bread or salad to round out this cozy, filling dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic, individual bread bowls or mini Dutch ovens at your next gathering. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of pesto right before serving can bring out exciting new flavors. A side of pickled jalapeños or hot sauce offers a fiery kick for those who love spicy contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen as the soup rests, so reheating can be even more satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for busy nights, this soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you always have a hearty home-cooked meal ready to thaw and enjoy when you need it most.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving without stirring to maintain an even temperature and preserve the delicious texture of the vegetables and beef.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works well in this soup. Just keep in mind it has a milder flavor, so you might want to add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or seasoning for depth.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be a great option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly — fresh veggies might take a little longer to cook but will add a lovely texture and brightness to the soup.

Is this soup spicy?

The base recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for everyone. If you like heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños while cooking or as a garnish.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

What sides go best with this soup?

Crusty bread, cheesy garlic toast, a crisp green salad, or even a simple grilled cheese are fantastic companions that complement the hearty flavors in this soup.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite, and I hope it will be the same for you. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, wonderfully filling, and delivers all the satisfying flavors you want from a home-cooked meal. So next time you want to warm up your kitchen and your heart, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll be smitten from the very first spoonful!