Introduction

This 30-Minute Hamburger Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you love easy ground beef recipes, you might also enjoy Hamburger Steak and Gravy – 5 Delicious Secrets Recipe or Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe.

Ingredients

This hearty Easy Hamburger Soup comes together with simple ingredients that create a comforting, savory broth loaded with tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned ground beef.

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red chili flakes
• 1 lb red potatoes, finely chopped (about 3 medium)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely sliced
• 540 ml diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings (about 2 cups)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Easy Hamburger Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

For the best flavor, avoid overcrowding the pot. If your beef releases a lot of fat, you can drain off the excess before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

You’ll know the aromatics are ready when the onion turns translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 3 — Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

This step builds a rich, savory base for your Easy Hamburger Soup—don’t rush it!

Step 4 — Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Add beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits—this adds depth to the soup.

Using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level. You can always adjust seasoning at the end.

Step 5 — Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Stir in diced potatoes, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Cut the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly and become tender without falling apart.

Step 6 — Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot and let the Easy Hamburger Soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Avoid boiling vigorously—a steady simmer helps the flavors meld without overcooking the vegetables.

Step 7 — Stir in Green Beans

Add frozen or fresh green beans and cook for another 5–7 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.

If using canned green beans, add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Step 8 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

For extra freshness, garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	12g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option that maintains the hearty texture while reducing fat content.
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based alternatives that add earthy flavor and keep the soup satisfying without meat.
• Cauliflower rice — Low-carb substitute for potatoes that absorbs flavors beautifully while adding nutrients.
• Zucchini noodles — Fresh, low-carb vegetable option that cooks quickly and adds vibrant color.
• Coconut milk or cashew cream — Rich, dairy-free alternatives that create a creamy texture without lactose.
• Gluten-free pasta or quinoa — Perfect substitutions for traditional pasta that keep this Easy Hamburger Soup gluten-free.
• Low-sodium broth — Essential swap for controlling salt intake while maintaining the soup’s savory base flavor.
• Nutritional yeast — Cheesy flavor boost without dairy, perfect for topping your finished bowl.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Easy Hamburger Soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
• Serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or busy weeknight dinners
• Top with shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream
• Make it a complete meal by adding crusty breadsticks or dinner rolls
• Excellent for meal prep – flavors improve when stored overnight
• Serve in deep bowls to keep this hearty hamburger soup warm longer

This versatile Easy Hamburger Soup adapts well to various occasions and accompaniments, making it a reliable choice for family meals throughout the year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef which can result in a less flavorful broth. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground beef to render fat that builds a richer soup base.
• Mistake: Adding raw ground beef directly to the pot with other ingredients. Fix: Brown and drain the beef first to develop fond and prevent a greasy soup.
• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables until they turn mushy. Fix: Add delicate veggies like peas or zucchini in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Not deglazing the pot after browning the meat. Fix: Pour in a splash of broth or water and scrape the browned bits for maximum flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning until the very end. Fix: Season in layers—add salt, pepper, and herbs with the aromatics and again before serving.
• Mistake: Using a weak broth that makes the soup taste watery. Fix: Choose a robust beef broth or bolster store-bought with a bouillon cube.
• Mistake: Rushing the simmering process, leading to underdeveloped flavors. Fix: Let the Easy Hamburger Soup simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to meld ingredients.
• Mistake: Adding pasta or rice too early so it becomes bloated and soft. Fix: Cook grains separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot with too many starchy ingredients. Fix: Stick to a balanced ratio of meat, vegetables, and broth for the best texture.
• Mistake: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Fix: Always do a final taste test and add more salt, pepper, or a splash of acidity if needed.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Easy Hamburger Soup completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight if needed. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Always store your Easy Hamburger Soup within two hours of cooking to keep it safe and delicious for later.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Soup is the perfect weeknight comfort meal, ready in under an hour. If you love this recipe, try our Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe next! We’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment or subscribe for more simple, delicious recipes.

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Hamburger Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Easy Hamburger Soup for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What can I use if I don’t have tomato sauce?

If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can substitute an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato purée. You could also use a can of diced tomatoes blended until smooth to maintain the texture of this Easy Hamburger Soup.

How long can I store leftover hamburger soup?

Store leftover Easy Hamburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.