Hamburger Beef Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory flavor that is perfect for any meal.

• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein from the beef and plenty of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.

• One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, I can prepare this soup in just one pot, making it an easy choice for busy days.

• Customizable: I can adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand, whether that’s different vegetables or spices.

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, I can have a pot of this soup ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1½ cups beef broth

• 1 cup water

• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 bay leaf

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: I begin by peeling and dicing the carrots and potatoes. I chop the celery and mince the garlic, setting all the ingredients aside in separate bowls for easy access.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, I add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. I cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. I drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, I add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, or until they become translucent. I add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the Vegetables: I stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes. I cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.

5. Add the Broth and Seasonings: I pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the beef broth and water. I stir to combine. I add the dried oregano, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste, ensuring all the seasonings are well distributed.

6. Simmer the Soup: I increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, I reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the vegetables to become tender.

7. Final Touches: I add the bay leaf for extra flavor and let it simmer for another 5 minutes before removing it. I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

8. Serve: I ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. I serve it hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Hamburger Beef Soup: I add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version.

• Spicy Hamburger Beef Soup: I add a can of diced green chilies or fresh jalapeños to bring a bit of heat to the soup.

• Vegetarian Hamburger Soup: I use plant-based ground beef or lentils instead of the regular ground beef for a meatless option.

• Minestrone-Style Soup: I add some pasta and extra vegetables like green beans and spinach to give the soup a minestrone-inspired twist.

• Cabbage Hamburger Soup: I stir in some chopped cabbage during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: I store the cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: I freeze the soup in portioned airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: I thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. I reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter version of the soup.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as I check that the broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, I can make this soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, and then cooking on low for 6–7 hours.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes, I can add cooked pasta toward the end of cooking for a more filling meal.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, Hamburger Beef Soup freezes well. I store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

I find that this Hamburger Beef Soup is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and delicious seasonings into a hearty meal. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is simple to prepare, customizable, and sure to satisfy my cravings. Whether served on a chilly evening or as part of my weekly meal prep, this soup will be a family favorite in no time. Enjoy!