Beef Hamburger Soup Recipe: 45-Minute Classic Comfort Food

Here's a complete beef hamburger soup recipe that serves 6, takes 45 minutes total (15 prep, 30 cooking), and requires basic ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 4 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. This classic American comfort food combines savory ground beef with vegetables in a rich broth for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

If you're searching for a quick hamburger soup for dinner that uses pantry staples, this beef hamburger soup recipe delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort. As a chef who's perfected this classic American comfort food over 20 years, I've refined the technique to maximize flavor while keeping preparation straightforward. Unlike many online recipes that compromise on depth of flavor, this version develops rich umami notes through proper browning and layering of ingredients.

Why This Beef Hamburger Soup Recipe Works

This best ground beef soup recipe succeeds because it balances simplicity with culinary technique. The key is properly browning the meat to develop fond (those flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pot), which forms the flavor foundation. Many home cooks rush this step, but taking 5-7 minutes to achieve a deep brown crust makes all the difference in the final hamburger soup with vegetables.

Complete Ingredient List

For authentic results, use these precise measurements for the homemade hamburger soup ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation Notes
Ground beef (80% lean)	1 pound	90% lean works but yields less flavorful broth
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced to 1/4-inch pieces
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and diced small
Celery	2 stalks	Diced to match carrots
Beef broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	With juices
Frozen corn	1 cup	Thawed
Frozen peas	1 cup	Thawed
Worcestershire sauce	1 teaspoon	Essential for umami depth
Diced potatoes (optional)	1 cup	Yukon gold recommended

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these professional techniques for the best hamburger soup from scratch:

Brown the beef properly: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Cook 5-7 minutes until deeply browned (not gray). Transfer to paper towels, reserving 2 tbsp fat in pot.
Sauté vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 8-10 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent. Scrape bottom to incorporate fond.
Build flavor foundation: Return beef to pot. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
Add liquids: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to gentle boil.
Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 20 minutes. Add corn and peas during last 5 minutes.
Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt/pepper. For thicker soup, mash some vegetables against pot side.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hamburger Soup

These hamburger soup cooking time and technique insights separate good from great:

Browning matters: Don't overcrowd the pot when browning beef. Work in batches if necessary to achieve proper sear.
Acid balance: If soup tastes flat, add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten flavors.
Texture control: For creamier texture without dairy, blend 1 cup soup and return to pot.
Make ahead: Flavor improves overnight. Prepare through step 4, cool completely, then refrigerate. Add corn/peas when reheating.

Delicious Variations to Try

Customize this classic American hamburger soup to suit your taste:

Southwest style: Add 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and black beans instead of peas
Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream during last 5 minutes of cooking
Gluten-free option: Replace any thickeners with 1/4 cup cornstarch slurry
Extra hearty: Add 1 cup cooked egg noodles or rice during final simmer

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Follow these hamburger soup storage tips for best results:

Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days. Fat will solidify on top - this protects flavor.
Freezing: Freeze without potatoes (they become grainy) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth if too thick. Never boil vigorously.
Flavor development: Soup tastes better on day 2 as flavors fully meld. Reheat with fresh herbs for brightness.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1.5 cups), this healthy hamburger soup recipe provides:

Calories: 285
Protein: 19g
Fat: 14g (Saturated 5g)
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 680mg (varies with broth)

Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For lower sodium, use homemade broth or rinse canned tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker with all ingredients except corn and peas. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add corn and peas during the last 30 minutes to maintain texture.

Why does my hamburger soup taste bland?

Bland soup usually results from insufficient browning of meat or under-seasoning. Ensure you properly brown the beef to develop fond, and season in layers - add salt when sautéing vegetables, then adjust at the end. A splash of vinegar or extra Worcestershire can revive flat flavors.

What's the best substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

For Worcestershire substitute, combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. While not identical, this provides similar umami and acidity. Avoid omitting it completely as it adds crucial depth to the beef hamburger soup recipe.

How can I thicken hamburger soup without flour?

To thicken without flour, blend 1 cup of the soup (avoiding large meat pieces) and return to pot. Alternatively, mash some potatoes or carrots against the pot side. For gluten-free thickening, use 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, added during final simmer.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works but yields a lighter flavor profile. For better results with turkey, add 1/2 cup mushrooms when sautéing vegetables to boost umami. You may need slightly less salt as turkey is naturally less flavorful than beef in this hamburger soup recipe variation.