Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. The flavors remind me of classic family dinners where everyone gathers around the table for a simple, satisfying meal.
I love making this soup when I want something easy to prepare but still full of flavor. What makes it special is how the beef and veggies come together to create a homey taste that’s both filling and cozy. I usually brown the hamburger first to get a nice crust, which adds a little extra depth to the soup.
My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with a slice of crusty bread on the side, perfect for soaking up that tasty broth. It’s also a great recipe to make ahead of time because the flavors just get better the next day. Whenever I make it, it brings back memories of chilly evenings and family laughter around the dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup. I like using 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for good flavor and moisture. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best. They add creaminess as they cook but keep their shape. Sweet potatoes can be a tasty twist!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onion, and corn add great texture and natural sweetness. Frozen corn is fine when fresh isn’t available, and you can swap in peas or green beans.
Diced tomatoes: They give the broth its bright color and mild tang. Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes if you want to control the saltiness.
Beef broth: For deep flavor, homemade or low-sodium broth is ideal. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth can work too.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor and Texture in the Soup?
Getting the right flavor and texture is key for a tasty hamburger soup. Here’s what I focus on:
- Brown the ground beef well: Let it sit without stirring too much. This browning develops rich flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Cook until soft and fragrant to build the base taste.
- Add veggies in stages: Start with those that take longer to cook, like potatoes and carrots, so everything finishes tender at the same time.
- Simmer gently: After adding broth and seasonings, let the soup bubble gently. This helps flavors meld without making the veggies mushy.
- Taste and adjust: Near the end, try the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. This step ensures it’s balanced and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning the beef and simmering the soup all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – lets you break up the ground beef easily and stir without scratching your pot.
- Sharp knife – makes chopping the potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery quick and safe.
- Cutting board – gives you a clean, sturdy surface to prep all your veggies.
- Ladle – helps you serve hot soup neatly into bowls without spills.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner soup that’s still tasty.
- Add a can of kidney beans or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Stir in some chopped spinach or kale near the end for added greens and color.
- Try adding smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder to give the soup a warm, slightly spicy kick.
How to Make Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups beef broth
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to cook. So, plan for roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this warm and comforting soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it turns brown. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it out.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and clear.
3. Add the Vegetables
Stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, and corn. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring every now and then to mix everything well.
4. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything well so the flavors come together.
5. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil. Then, lower the heat so it simmers gently, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
6. Taste and Serve
Give the soup a taste and add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs it. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy with crusty bread on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Yes! Frozen corn and mixed vegetables work great. Just add them directly to the pot when the recipe calls for fresh veggies and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup completely, then cool it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used as alternatives. Just brown the meat fully before proceeding with the recipe, and adjust seasoning if needed.
