There’s something so comforting about a warm, filling bowl that hits all the right notes — savory, hearty, and full of flavor. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe with you. It’s a simple, down-to-earth meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and perfect for any weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is one of those no-fuss meals that feels homemade and special without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ve made it for quick weeknights and even packed it for lunches, and it always delivers on taste and comfort.
- Loaded with veggies: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers add body and nutrition to every spoonful.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry and fridge already.
- Customizable: Whether you swap proteins or add your favorite veggies, you can make this soup truly your own.
- Comfort food at its best: Rich broth with cozy spices and a touch of smoky depth will keep you coming back.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This soup owes its delicious depth to a combination of fresh veggies, savory seasonings, and a few secret ingredients. The variety of herbs and spices balanced with garlic and chili powder create a comforting, layered flavor that feels both familiar and exciting. Here’s a little insight on the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Lean ground beef or turkey: I like beef for richer flavor, but turkey is a great lighter option (just add extra bouillon for more beefy taste).
- Yellow onion: A classic base ingredient - caramelizes just right with the beef for that savory foundation.
- Carrots and celery: Add sweetness and a nice texture, they soften up beautifully in the slow simmer.
- Garlic: Whether fresh or powdered, it amps the aroma and taste instantly.
- Chili powder and cumin: These spices bring a subtle warmth without overpowering the soup.
- Herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): Freshen up the flavors, giving the broth brightness and complexity.
- Smoked paprika and liquid smoke (optional): Add smoky depth that lifts the whole soup, especially if you skip the classic beef fat flavor.
- Potatoes (red or Yukon gold): The heart of the soup, they soak up flavors and thicken the broth a little as they cook.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a slight crispness and vibrant color contrast.
- Beef broth: Reduced sodium is best so you can control saltiness, and it deepens the meaty flavor.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Bring acidity and umami for a well-rounded base.
- Yellow deli mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar: These small additions work magic balancing tang, sweetness, and umami.
- Beef bouillon or better than bouillon: My secret weapon especially when swapping in lighter proteins to boost that signature beefy note.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is a forgiving canvas. Over the years, I’ve experimented with adding what caught my eye at the market or what I had leftover—and guess what? It almost always works. You’ll find your favorite tweaks before long.
- Ground turkey variation: When I swap beef for turkey, I add a little extra beef bouillon at the end. It makes a big difference in flavor balance without masking the lighter meat.
- Added pasta: On days I’m craving pasta, I swap the potatoes for small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells and add them near the end—just cook until al dente.
- Extra veggies: Green beans, zucchini, corn, spinach—I've tossed in all these at different times based on their cooking needs, adding more nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: Feel free to crank up the chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit more kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by browning your lean ground beef along with the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. This creates the flavorful foundation you’ll want to build on. Cook everything until the veggies are tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Prepping your potatoes and bell pepper during this step keeps things moving efficiently.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Drain any excess grease if necessary (it’s usually minimal if you use lean beef). Then, add the garlic and your mix of spices—chili powder, cumin, herbs, smoked paprika—and sauté for about 30 seconds. This quick step wakes up the spices and infuses the beef-veggie mix with richness.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in your beef broth, canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bell pepper, potatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, bouillon, and optional liquid smoke. Stir everything well, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Give it a stir now and then to keep the flavors mingling and prevent burning at the bottom.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a good taste. This is when you adjust seasonings—maybe a pinch of salt, more spices, or a splash more broth if you think it needs thinning. Remember, this soup is meant to be chunky and hearty, so keep that texture in mind.
Top Tip
Through many batches, I’ve discovered a few tricks that really step up this Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe:
- Sauté your spices: Don’t skip the quick garlic and spice sauté after browning the meat—it ignites deeper flavors and minimizes any raw spice taste.
- Use better than bouillon or bouillon cubes: If you’re using ground turkey or want more flavor depth, these little flavor boosters are key without adding saltiness if carefully measured.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: Check tenderness at 20 minutes and remove from heat promptly. Mushy potatoes can water down your soup.
- Garnish generously: A handful of shredded cheddar right on top makes all the difference—you'll thank me for it.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I never serve this soup without a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melting right on top—it adds richness and an indulgent hit. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely sliced green onions brings a fresh pop and subtle brightness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, which is a lovely contrast to the smoky broth.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup nicely if you want a lighter side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or entertaining, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls carved from round loaves. It’s a fun, rustic presentation that impresses guests and doubles as an edible side! You could also set up a "toppings bar" with shredded cheese, chives, sour cream, and crispy bacon bits for a build-your-own experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool the soup completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps perfectly for about 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Freezing
Because this soup is hearty and well-balanced, it freezes beautifully. I portion it in freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. It lasts up to 3 months frozen. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently either on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to combine flavors evenly. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes it lighter, but I recommend adding some beef bouillon at the end to keep that classic beefy flavor. Taste and adjust as you go to avoid over-salting.
From start to finish, including prepping and browning the meat and veggies, it takes about 40 minutes. Once everything is simmering, the potatoes take roughly 20 minutes to become tender.
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
I highly recommend shredded cheddar cheese for melty richness. Fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a fresh bite, and sour cream stirred in or dolloped on top creates nice creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe has been one of those consistent keepers in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for busy nights but feels so lovingly homemade, and the flavors bring comfort like a warm blanket. I hope you enjoy making and tweaking it as much as I do. Just grab your favorite pot, gather your ingredients, and let this delicious soup bring a little extra warmth into your home!
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Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hamburger Soup features lean ground beef or turkey simmered with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a savory tomato-based broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup is customizable with various add-ins like pasta, rice, or beans to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped (1 ½ cups)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 ½ cups)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (may sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups red or Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½” chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 5 ½ cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)
- 2 teaspoons granulated beef bouillon or 2 crushed cubes
Garnish Options
- Cheddar cheese (highly recommended)
- Parsley
- Green onions or chives
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Veggies: In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef or turkey along with chopped onions, carrots, and celery until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. While meat is cooking, prep potatoes and bell pepper.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Drain excess grease if present. Add minced garlic and all the dry spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, basil, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, and pepper) to the pot. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in potatoes, green bell pepper, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), and beef bouillon. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer over medium-low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Consistency and Serve: Add water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency, keeping the soup chunky. Serve hot garnished with cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions or chives, and sour cream as desired.
Notes
- This soup is highly customizable; consider adding other proteins such as shredded chicken, ground chicken, sliced sausage, or mini meatballs.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth and check all canned ingredients.
- To replace potatoes, add 2 cups uncooked small pasta at simmer and cook until al dente, or substitute with cooked wild or brown rice.
- Add zucchini, green beans, corn, cabbage, beans, or spinach near the end of cooking to add variety and nutrition.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or in microwave in 30-90 second intervals until hot.
- When using ground turkey instead of beef, add extra beef bouillon to enhance meat flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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