Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe: 30-Minute Comfort Meal

Here's the complete easy hamburger soup recipe you need: Brown 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (10.5 oz) can tomato soup, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1 cup chopped carrots. Simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Looking for a quick hamburger soup recipe for busy weeknights? This simple hamburger soup with pantry ingredients comes together in just 30 minutes using common staples you likely already have. Perfect for family dinners when time is tight, this one-pot hamburger soup with ground beef delivers comforting warmth without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe Works

This hamburger soup recipe stands out because it balances simplicity with rich flavor. Unlike more complex versions requiring specialty ingredients, our approach uses basic pantry items while maintaining that classic comfort food taste. The secret lies in combining tomato soup with diced tomatoes for depth, while frozen vegetables ensure consistent texture without extra prep work.

Many "easy" hamburger soup recipes cut corners that compromise flavor, but this version maintains quality through smart technique: properly browning the meat creates fond (those delicious browned bits), which dissolves into the broth for richer taste. The Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth without requiring hard-to-find ingredients.

Complete Recipe Details

This straightforward hamburger soup recipe for family dinner serves 4-6 people and requires basic kitchen equipment you already own. No special appliances needed—just a large pot or Dutch oven.

Ingredient	Amount	Prep Notes
Ground beef (80% lean)	1 pound	90% lean works but adds less fat
Yellow onion	1 medium, diced	About 1 cup diced
Garlic cloves	2, minced	Or 1 tsp garlic powder
Beef broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	Undrained
Tomato soup	1 (10.5 oz) can	Regular, not condensed
Frozen corn	1 cup	Thawed
Frozen peas	1 cup	Thawed
Carrots	1 cup, chopped	Or 1 cup frozen
Worcestershire sauce	1 teaspoon	Essential for depth
Salt and pepper	To taste	Start with 1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Brown the meat: In a 4-6 quart pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until beef is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired, but leaving some enhances flavor.
Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the base: Add beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato soup, chopped carrots, corn, and peas. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

This budget-friendly hamburger soup recipe adapts well to what you have available. Try these easy swaps without compromising quality:

Vegetarian version: Replace beef with plant-based ground "meat" and use vegetable broth
Dairy-free option: Skip cheese toppings (some add shredded cheddar)
Gluten considerations: Most tomato soups are gluten-free, but check labels
Veggie variations: Swap peas for green beans or corn for diced potatoes
Spice it up: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Even simple recipes can go wrong. Steer clear of these pitfalls with your hamburger soup:

Overcooking vegetables: Frozen veggies only need 15-20 minutes. Longer cooking makes them mushy
Skipping the browning step: Properly browned meat creates fond that dissolves into the broth for richer flavor
Using condensed soup: Regular tomato soup works; condensed would make the soup too thick
Over-salting: Broth and canned tomatoes contain sodium. Season at the end after tasting
Boiling vigorously: A gentle simmer preserves vegetable texture better than a rolling boil

Serving and Storage Tips

This easy hamburger soup recipe makes excellent leftovers. Follow these storage guidelines:

Serving: Pair with crusty bread, saltine crackers, or a simple green salad
Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheating: Warm on stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if too thick
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Flavor boost: Leftovers often taste better the next day as flavors meld

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 285
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g (6g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg (varies based on broth and soup choices)

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomato products. For a lighter version, drain all fat from the cooked beef and use leaner ground beef (93% lean).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hamburger soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to slow cooker with all other ingredients except frozen vegetables. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add frozen vegetables and cook 30 more minutes.

What's the best way to thicken hamburger soup?

If you prefer thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into simmering soup. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mash some potatoes into the soup for natural thickening.

How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

This simple hamburger soup with pantry ingredients easily accommodates extra vegetables. Add 1 cup chopped celery with the onions, include diced zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or stir in fresh spinach just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this quick hamburger soup recipe. Use 93% lean for best flavor, and consider adding 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of turkey.

Why does my hamburger soup taste bland?

Bland soup usually needs proper seasoning. Add salt gradually while tasting, include the Worcestershire sauce (it's essential for depth), and consider adding 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or a bay leaf during simmering. Acid like a splash of vinegar can also brighten flavors.