Easy Hamburger Soup – A Family Favorite Recipe for Generations
When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that everyone in the family loves, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Easy Hamburger Soup. This beloved recipe has been a staple in many households for years — and for good reason. It’s made with simple ingredients, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights, cold winter evenings, or whenever you’re craving something nourishing and satisfying.
This ground beef soup is a budget-friendly dish that comes together quickly and keeps you full for hours. Packed with tender vegetables, savory beef, and a rich tomato-based broth, it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s get into exactly how to make this comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- ✅ One pot means minimal cleanup
- ✅ Made with affordable pantry staples
- ✅ Packed with protein and veggies
- ✅ Easily customizable
- ✅ Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and downright delicious
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — because it’s just that good.
Ingredients for the Best Hamburger Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this wholesome and flavorful soup:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred) – Adds rich flavor without excess grease
- 1 medium onion, diced – Provides savory depth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – For aromatic warmth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Makes the soup hearty and filling
- 3½ cups beef broth – The savory base of your soup
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice – Adds texture and tang
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup – Brings a touch of sweetness and creamy texture
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds herbaceous notes with basil, oregano, and thyme
How to Make Easy Hamburger Soup – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks for a fine texture. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds flavor right from the base.
3. Incorporate the Veggies and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and condensed tomato soup. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Season It Up
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup come to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Recipe Tips and Variations
This soup is very flexible, so you can adjust it based on what’s in your pantry:
- 🥕 Add more veggies: Try carrots, corn, green beans, or peas.
- 🍝 Make it pasta-style: Add ½ cup of small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini (cook separately to avoid over-softening).
- 🌶️ Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- 🧂 Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soup to control salt content.
- 🍲 Slow cooker version: After browning the beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Hamburger soup is perfect for meal prep — it stores and reheats like a dream.
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Cool completely and freeze in portioned freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute increments until hot.
Why This Hamburger Soup is a Classic
This recipe stands the test of time because it’s:
- Hearty and filling without being heavy
- Rich and flavorful thanks to a combination of broth, tomatoes, and seasoning
- Nutritious with protein, vegetables, and fiber
- Quick and easy to throw together
- Loved by both kids and adults
Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a cold night, an easy weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing soup to bring to a potluck, this Easy Hamburger Soup is a guaranteed winner.
Try It Today – Make It a Family Favorite Too!
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to grab your ingredients and try this Easy Hamburger Soup for yourself. We promise it will earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation — just like it did for our family.