Hamburger Soup
This comforting Hamburger Soup is a timeless family favorite, delivering a rich, savory experience in every spoonful. Packed with tender ground beef, an array of garden vegetables, and hearty potatoes simmered in a robust tomato-beef broth, it's the ultimate one-pot meal for a cozy evening. Its simplicity belies its depth of flavor, making it a perfect, wholesome option that satisfies both adults and children alike.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 to 8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A wholesome, satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
- Easy one-pot preparation simplifies cleanup and cooking.
- Packed with tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables.
- A budget-friendly option that stretches ingredients effectively.
- Customizable with your family's favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (approximately 100 grams), finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 350 grams (2 cups) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2-inch) pieces
- 822 milliliters (2 cans, 411 mL/14.5 oz each) beef broth
- 283 grams (1 can, 283 g/10 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 425 grams (1 can, 425 g/15 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 450 grams (1 bag, 450 g/16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 grams (1 teaspoon) dried parsley
- 1 gram (1/2 teaspoon) dried basil
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven, place over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and the initial 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of salt. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it crumbles into small, even pieces and browns thoroughly until no longer pink, typically taking 7-10 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is fully browned and the onions have softened, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This step is crucial for a cleaner, less oily soup base. You can use a spoon or tilt the pot and carefully pour off the rendered fat into a heatproof container.
- Add the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, condensed tomato soup, the undrained petite diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, and dried basil to the pot. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine them well, ensuring the tomato soup is fully incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling vigorously, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the soup simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the potatoes to become tender, also helping the soup to thicken slightly.
- After the minimum 30-minute simmering period, remove the lid and taste the soup. Assess the seasoning and add additional salt if needed, a common adjustment to enhance the overall flavor profile. Stir well after adding more salt and allow it to dissolve.
- Serve the Hearty Classic Hamburger Soup hot, perhaps with a garnish of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for browning
- Ladle for serving
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled before adding other ingredients; this develops a rich, foundational flavor.
- Do not skip draining the excess grease; it prevents the soup from becoming overly oily and ensures a cleaner taste.
- Chop potatoes into uniform, small pieces (around 1.25 cm or 1/2 inch) so they cook evenly and become tender within the simmering time.
- Allow the soup to simmer for the full 30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the flavors to deepen and the ingredients to meld.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning (especially salt) at the end of cooking, as the flavors concentrate and develop during simmering.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve an even deeper umami flavor, slightly caramelize the diced onions with the ground beef until they are a rich golden brown before adding garlic. This extra step unlocks more complex sugars in the onion.
- Consider deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine or a little extra beef broth after browning the meat and draining the fat. Scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot; these are flavor powerhouses.
- For an extra layer of freshness and a vibrant finish, stir in 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers of Hamburger Soup can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This soup also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags once completely cooled. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans to the frozen mixed vegetables, or even a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes for Hamburger Soup?
Yes, while Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, you can substitute with other waxy potatoes like red potatoes. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may break down more during simmering, leading to a thicker, starchier broth.
How can I make this soup thicker?
The soup will naturally thicken as it simmers and the potatoes release starch. If you desire a thicker consistency, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, or mix 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of cornstarch with 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup, letting it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Is Hamburger Soup suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Hamburger Soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping due to its hearty nature and the fact that it reheats beautifully. Its flavors often improve after a day or two in the refrigerator, and it freezes wonderfully for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 380, Protein: 28g, Fat: 18g, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 5g (Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains beef and may contain gluten (from Worcestershire sauce, check label). For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
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