Introduction
Has there ever been a time, late in the fall or deep into winter, when the world outside felt a little too sharp, a little too loud, and all you craved was a bowl that promised comfort and volume? I know the feeling. Growing up in Queens, our apartment was always kept a little too warm, fueled by the steamy promise of whatever my mother was stirring on the stove. And when the days turned gray, the answer was always soup. But not the thin, delicate kind. We needed something that stuck to your bones, something with substance.
That is where this recipe for Hearty Ground Beef Soup comes in. It is not just soup, it is a meal, a memory, and an effortless way to feed a family when time is scarce. Sometimes called a vegetable beef soup with ground beef, or simply “hamburger soup,” this recipe holds a foundational spot in my kitchen rotation, right next to the classic big-batch stews. It’s built on simple, affordable ingredients, featuring savory broth and deeply flavorful lean ground beef, loaded with vibrant fresh and frozen vegetables, and enough nourishment to carry you through any evening.
I remember one night, years ago, when Lena and I first moved into our Brooklyn brownstone. The heating was patchy, the boxes were towering, and dinner seemed impossible. I pulled out my Dutch oven, browned a pound of ground beef, and threw in everything I could find: some diced carrots, celery, onion, and a can of those beautifully smoky fire-roasted tomatoes. The aroma, rich with Italian seasoning and thyme, filled the cold rooms almost instantly. That night, sitting on paint cans and eating this glorious, easy ground beef vegetable soup, the house finally started to feel like home. This is more than just cooking, it is intention, it is connection, and it is the best kind of family friendly dinner.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef Soup
- Ingredients for Hearty Ground Beef Soup
- How to Make Hearty Ground Beef Soup
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Hearty Ground Beef Soup Serving Suggestions
- Hearty Ground Beef Soup Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Hearty Ground Beef Soup
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef Soup
In the constant, joyful chaos of raising Aria and Kai, I have learned that recipes need to fulfill three criteria: they must be fast, they must be nutritious, and they must inspire zero complaints from the peanut gallery. This hearty ground beef and potato soup checks every box, making it a perfect example of wholesome comfort food.
First and foremost, it is wonderfully simple. We’re talking about a true one pot ground beef soup. Everything happens in one vessel, minimizing cleanup, which is a massive win on any given Tuesday. The combination of savory beef and familiar vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth is universally appealing. It’s a kid friendly ground beef vegetable soup that actually gets enthusiastically eaten.
Here is why I believe this recipe will become a cornerstone of your weeknight meal planning:
- Speed and Efficiency: This can easily qualify as a 30 minute hamburger soup. Once the ground beef is browned (use a quality lean cut to skip the draining step), the rest is mostly hands-off simmering. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- Budget Friendly: Ground beef is one of my go-to proteins when I need a cost-effective, high-impact meal. Paired with inexpensive staples like broth, canned tomatoes, and ground beef and potatoes, this is the ultimate budget friendly soup.
- Big Flavor Payoff: We enhance the deeply savory broth with a touch of tomato paste and a secret ingredient: a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This liquid gold adds umami that takes the ground beef soup recipe from standard to spectacular.
- Adaptable to What You Have: Are those three carrots in your crisper looking sad? Toss them in. Do you have a partial bag of frozen mixed vegetables? Perfect. This simple recipe for ground beef soup is incredibly flexible.
- Excellent Meal Prep: Like most great stews and chilis, this soup gets even better the next day. It is an ideal freezer friendly soup, perfect for batch cooking and portioning into containers for lunches throughout the week. The flavor melds overnight, creating a deeper, more satisfying experience.
- Pure, Undiluted Comfort: When the weather is chilly, nothing beats a hearty soup. The tender flakes of beef, the toothsome, tender carrots and potatoes, and the deep, herbaceous broth are the perfect antidote to a long day. It’s the definition of comfort food in a bowl.
If you’re looking for other ways to turn a pound of ground beef into a crowd-pleasing dinner fast, check out my recipes for Cheesy Tater Tot Ground Beef Casserole or a quick round of Korean Ground Beef Bowl, but when you need a ladle and a big cozy bowl, this easy hamburger soup is the answer.
Ingredients for Hearty Ground Beef Soup
The beauty of this hearty ground beef vegetable soup lies in its reliance on pantry staples. Using a mix of fresh aromatics and quality canned goods ensures a quick and flavorful result. I always recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the final seasoning.
- The Core: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works best to avoid excess grease).
- The Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, diced, 2 carrots, chopped, 2 celery stalks, chopped, 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- The Broth Base: 6 cups beef broth or beef stock (low sodium), 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained for that extra smoky tomato broth flavor), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or tomato paste.
- The Starch: 3 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- The Seasoning: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- The Finishers: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans), 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
Ingredient Substitutions for Hamburger Soup
- Ground Meat: You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though the rich, savory flavor of the beef is certainly traditional.
- Potatoes: For a low-carb version of this healthy hamburger soup, swap the potatoes for 2 cups of chopped cauliflower florets. Alternatively, sweet potatoes add a lovely depth of sweetness.
- Broth: If you are out of beef broth, you can use vegetable broth, but the flavor profile will be less robust. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or better-than-bouillon beef paste to elevate a lighter broth.
- Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to add other hardy veggies like zucchini, chopped cabbage, or green bell peppers towards the end of the cooking process.
Hearty Ground Beef Soup | One-Pot Family Favorite in 30 Minutes.
Hearty Ground Beef Soup | One-Pot Family Favorite in 30 Minutes.How to Make Hearty Ground Beef Soup
I find cooking to be deeply therapeutic, especially when I get to use a large Dutch oven. There is something grounding about the sound of ingredients hitting hot, heavy metal. This recipe is straightforward, designed to maximize flavor with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned, usually about 6-8 minutes. Because we are using lean beef, draining the fat is often unnecessary, but if there is excessive grease, carefully drain it off.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook and stir until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften, usually 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the savory beef broth.
- Add Garlic and Spice: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Cook for about 60 seconds, until the spices are fragrant. This process, called blooming the spices, helps release their essential oils and deepen their flavor profile.
- Deglaze and Add Liquid: Pour in a splash of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. These bits, called fond, are packed with flavor. Add the remaining beef broth, the tomato sauce, the fire-roasted tomatoes, the bay leaf, and the Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients for the rich tomato broth base.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the diced potatoes are fork-tender. The goal is to cook the potatoes completely so they soften and thicken the broth slightly, making this a true hearty ground beef soup with potatoes and vegetables.
- Add Final Vegetables: Stir in the cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Increase the heat slightly and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the frozen vegetables are heated through. You want the mixed vegetables to be bright and tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Taste and Season: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning aggressively. Add salt and pepper until the flavors pop. Due to the wide variance in broth and canned tomato salinity, tasting at the end is an absolute non-negotiable step.
- Serve: Ladle the steaming ground beef vegetable soup into bowls, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream (optional, but highly recommended), and enjoy this ultimate cold weather soup.
Pro Tips & Variations
I always encourage home cooks to make a recipe their own. This easy ground beef vegetable soup is an excellent canvas for experimentation and adjustment based on dietary needs or simple preference. Here are my go-to tips for taking this soup from great to transcendent, catering to several dietary requirements including my recipe for a Keto Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet.
The Umami Boost: Tomato Paste Trick
Before adding the broth, once the aromatics are softened, push them aside and add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens slightly and caramelizes. This step deepens the savory, tomato flavor profile dramatically, creating a more robust and complex beef and vegetable soup base.
Thickening the Broth
If you prefer a thicker, almost stew-like consistency for your hearty ground beef soup, here are two methods. First, simply mash 2-3 pieces of the cooked potato against the side of the pot after step 5. The starch released will naturally thicken the soup. Second, for a rapid fix, stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water (creating a slurry) and stir it into the simmering soup at the end. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
Slow Cooker / Instant Pot Variation
This hearty ground beef and vegetable soup is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it cooking. In a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first (this is key for flavor), then transfer everything to the slow cooker (except the frozen mixed vegetables and parsley). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the mixed vegetables 30 minutes before serving. For the Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker), brown the beef and sauté the vegetables using the Sauté function. Add remaining ingredients (except the frozen mixed vegetables) and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then a quick release. Stir in frozen veggies and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten free hamburger soup with ground beef as currently written, assuming the broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
- Low Carb: As mentioned, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. This creates a deeply satisfying, low carb ground beef soup that still feels substantial.
- Spicy Kick: If you like warmth, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the broth.
Hearty Ground Beef Soup Serving Suggestions
When I serve this Hearty Ground Beef Soup at home, I often turn it into a complete, comforting experience. The simple nature of the soup means the sides should be either crunchy and fresh, or rich and carb-heavy to soak up that delicious savory beef broth. This is the ultimate expression of wholesome comfort food, and the sides should honor that.
1. The Crusty Bread Must-Have
Nothing pairs better with a rich, tomato-based soup than something substantial for dipping. A thick slice of artisanal sourdough, brushed with garlic butter and toasted, is perfection. Its tangy crust provides a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, rich soup. Alternatively, simple saltines or oyster crackers deliver that classic, crisp counterpoint that Aria and Kai love crushing up and stirring directly into their bowls.
2. The Perfect Simple Salad
Because the soup is so heavy on root vegetables and beef, a light, bright green salad provides necessary balance. Think simple: mixed greens tossed in a bright, lemony vinaigrette with maybe some shaved cucumber and red onion. It’s a clean palate cleanser between spoonfuls of the deeply flavorful hamburger soup.
3. Grilled Cheese or Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Style
For the ultimate cozy combo, the classic pairing of soup and sandwich reigns supreme. A grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar transforms this into the ultimate cold-day meal. If you want to lean into the savory beef element, serve a side of open-faced Texas Toast Sloppy Joes—it’s beef on beef, and nobody ever complained about that.
4. The Cheese and Cream Toppings
Think less about sides and more about lavish toppings. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can intensify the Italian seasoning notes already present in the broth. For a creamy finish, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt cuts through the richness of the beef perfectly. A final dash of fresh herbs, whether it’s cilantro, parsley, or chives, adds necessary freshness and color.
Hearty Ground Beef Soup Storage & Reheating
This Hearty Ground Beef Soup is exactly the kind of recipe I make a double batch of, specifically because it stores and reheats so beautifully. In fact, like many great stews, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to completely meld.
Refrigeration (Short Term)
Once cooled to room temperature (about 30 minutes after cooking), transfer the leftover soup into airtight containers. It can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Be sure not to leave it out too long, especially if you added sour cream or any dairy elements to the entire batch.
Freezing (Long Term)
This soup is extremely freezer friendly soup! To prep for freezing, cool the soup completely. Transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about an inch of headspace if using rigid containers (liquid expands when frozen). Properly stored, the soup maintains its quality for 4-6 months.
A Quick Note on Potatoes: Potatoes can sometimes change texture slightly during freezing, becoming a bit grainy. To minimize this, use Yukon Gold potatoes, which hold up better, or consider adding the potatoes while reheating the thawed soup, ensuring you have the starches fresh. However, for a quick weeknight solution, freezing the whole batch works absolutely fine.
Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Reheating Methods
- Stovetop (Recommended): This is the easiest and most effective way to reheat. Pour the desired amount into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot all the way through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has become too thick during storage.
- Microwave: For individual servings, reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot.
FAQ about Hearty Ground Beef Soup
Q: What is the difference between hamburger soup and beef and vegetable soup?
A: The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, “hamburger soup” specifically refers to a ground beef vegetable soup that uses crumbled ground beef (hamburger meat) as its protein source, often paired with a tomato base. Beef and vegetable soup can include cut-up chunks of stew meat, roast, or steak, but this recipe focuses on the ease and affordability of ground beef, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh for 30 minute hamburger soup?
A: Absolutely! This is one of the ways we ensure this can be a truly fast 30 minute hamburger soup with vegetables. While the fresh onions, carrots, and celery add essential flavor during the initial sauté, using a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, and green beans) for the final 5 minutes of simmering is fast, convenient, and cost-effective. Look for high-quality frozen vegetables for the best texture.
Q: How do I make Hearty Ground Beef Soup with potatoes and vegetables if I need it to be gluten-free?
A: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free! Most brands of beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce are made without gluten, but always check the labels to be sure. There are no grains, noodles, or flour used as a thickener in this recipe, so it is a perfect gluten free hearty hamburger soup option.
Q: How can I make this soup richer and more decadent?
A: To achieve a richer flavor, consider two changes. First, substitute two cups of the beef broth with good quality red wine (like a Cabernet or Merlot) and let it reduce by half after deglazing. Second, at the very end, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a slightly creamy, velvetier texture, enhancing the overall feeling of savory beef broth comfort.
Final Thoughts
I believe deeply that the most complicated ingredient in any recipe is the simple desire for connection. When I stand over the pot of this Hearty Ground Beef Soup, listening to the gentle rumble of the simmer, I’m not just making dinner, I’m creating warmth. I’m pausing the rush of the world to spend a mindful hour doing something nourishing for the people I love.
Food heals, food connects, and simple, satisfying meals like this remind us that the best stories are often told between the first spoonful and the last. I hope you find as much joy and comfort in this recipe as my family and I do. Slow down, savor the aroma, and know that you’ve created something wonderful today.
If this recipe brought warmth to your kitchen, please consider saving it to Pinterest for later or leaving a comment below. I love hearing how you make these comfort food classics your own!
Hearty Ground Beef Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. If there's excessive grease, carefully drain it off.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook and stir until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Cook for about 60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in a splash of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained), bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the diced potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Increase the heat slightly and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
