Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe in 45 Minutes

The best hamburger soup recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings for a hearty meal ready in under 45 minutes. This classic comfort food features tender beef, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato-based broth with herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this easy hamburger soup recipe serves 6 and can be customized with cheese, noodles, or extra vegetables.

Hamburger soup transforms humble pantry staples into a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. This beloved American classic emerged during the Great Depression when families needed affordable ways to stretch ground beef. Today, it remains a go-to comfort food that's both economical and endlessly adaptable to personal tastes and dietary needs.

Why This Hamburger Soup Recipe Works

This ground beef soup recipe delivers consistent results because it balances flavor development with practical cooking techniques. Unlike many hamburger soup recipes that skip essential steps, ours includes the critical searing process that creates fond - those delicious browned bits that form the flavor foundation. The layered seasoning approach ensures depth rather than one-note taste, while the precise vegetable chopping size guarantees even cooking without mushiness.

Complete Hamburger Soup Ingredients List

Use these exact measurements for perfect results every time. This easy hamburger soup recipe serves 6 with preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes.

Ingredient	Measurement	Preparation Notes
Ground beef (80% lean)	1.5 lbs	90% lean works but yields less flavor
Yellow onion	1 large	Diced 1/4 inch
Carrots	3 medium	Peeled and diced 1/4 inch
Celery stalks	3	Diced 1/4 inch
Garlic cloves	3	Minced
Beef broth	6 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Crushed tomatoes	1 (28 oz) can	No salt added
Potatoes	2 medium	Peeled and diced 1/2 inch
Diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	With juices
Worcestershire sauce	2 tbsp	Essential for umami
Dried thyme	1 tsp	Fresh works too
Salt and pepper	To taste	Add after cooking

Step-by-Step Hamburger Soup Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until well-browned (not gray). Break into small pieces as it cooks. This takes 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
2. Build flavor base: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften slightly. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Develop fond: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste. This creates a roux that thickens the soup naturally.
4. Add liquids: Pour in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir well to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer: Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
7. Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar just before serving.

Professional Hamburger Soup Tips

These chef-tested techniques elevate your homemade hamburger soup from good to exceptional:

• Don't skip the browning: Properly seared ground beef creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction. Rushing this step results in bland soup.
• Uniform vegetable sizes: Consistent 1/4-inch dicing ensures even cooking. Larger pieces won't soften properly while smaller ones turn to mush.
• Acid balance: The red wine vinegar at the end brightens flavors. If you don't have vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon works too.
• Resting time: Let soup sit off heat for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and prevents overcooking vegetables.
• Texture control: For thicker soup, mash some potatoes against the pot side. For thinner broth, add 1/2 cup additional broth.

Popular Hamburger Soup Variations

This versatile ground beef soup recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences:

• Cheesy version: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Top with extra cheese when serving.
• Gluten-free option: Omit flour and use 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold broth added at the end.
• Low-carb adaptation: Replace potatoes with diced turnips or radishes for similar texture without the carbs.
• Hearty addition: Add 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini) with the broth for a more substantial meal.
• Spicy kick: Include 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the thyme for those who enjoy heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage maintains quality and safety for your hamburger soup leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Cool completely within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers with 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm on stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water if soup has thickened too much during storage.
• Food safety: Always reheat to 165°F internal temperature. Do not repeatedly reheat the same portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this hamburger soup recipe for slow cooking. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables as directed, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker with all remaining ingredients except potatoes. Cook on low for 4 hours, then add potatoes and cook 1-2 hours more until tender. This slow cooker hamburger soup method develops deeper flavors but requires less active time.

Why does my hamburger soup taste bland?

Bland hamburger soup usually results from insufficient browning of the meat or under-seasoning. Make sure to properly sear the ground beef until deeply browned (not gray), as this creates flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction. Also, season in layers - add some salt during cooking and adjust at the end. The red wine vinegar finish mentioned in our recipe brightens flavors significantly. For richer taste, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.

How can I thicken hamburger soup without flour?

You can thicken hamburger soup naturally by mashing some potatoes against the pot side with a fork. Alternatively, blend 1 cup of the soup (mostly vegetables) and stir it back in. For gluten-free thickening, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold broth, then stir into simmering soup. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Our easy hamburger soup recipe achieves perfect consistency with the flour step, but these alternatives work well for dietary restrictions.

What vegetables work best in hamburger soup?

The classic hamburger soup vegetable trio is onions, carrots, and celery (mirepoix), which provides balanced flavor. Potatoes add heartiness, while garlic enhances savoriness. For variations, try adding green beans, peas, or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Avoid watery vegetables like zucchini that become mushy. For extra nutrition, stir in spinach or kale just before serving. This homemade hamburger soup recipe's vegetable combination has stood the test of time for good reason - it delivers perfect texture and flavor harmony.