Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a classic dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It features ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a simple tomato-based broth that’s hearty without being too heavy. The flavors are straightforward and comforting, bringing a little taste of home to your table.
I’ve always loved this soup because it’s so easy to make and perfect for cooler days when you want something filling but not complicated. I like to let it simmer slowly so all the flavors really come together, and the ground beef adds just the right amount of richness without being greasy. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me of family dinners and cozy nights in.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this soup is with a slice of crusty bread or some simple crackers on the side. It’s perfect for a casual meal that can easily feed a crowd or just a quiet night for one. If you want to mix it up a bit, adding a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice little twist that everyone tends to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup and provides great flavor and protein. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a plant-based version, crumbled tofu or lentils work well.
Vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes, corn): Fresh veggies give the soup a nice texture and sweetness. Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add green beans or peas for variety.
Diced tomatoes: I like using canned diced tomatoes with juices—they add body and tang. You can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes if in season, or a can of crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Beef broth: This builds the soup’s savory base. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth also works fine and lightens the flavor a bit.
Herbs (thyme, rosemary, basil): These dried herbs add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs are great too, added near the end of cooking. If you only have Italian seasoning, it’s a good all-in-one swap.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef Cooks Well Without Getting Greasy?
Cooking ground beef right is key here; it should be browned and crumbly, not clumpy or greasy. Here’s my approach:
- Heat your pot first and add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the ground beef in one even layer without stirring immediately to let it brown.
- Break the beef apart gently using a wooden spoon or spatula, turning it until all is browned.
- Drain excess fat if there’s a lot—this keeps the soup from feeling oily but keeps flavor.
- Next, add your onions and garlic to the beef pan to pick up all that flavor before adding veggies.
Taking these steps helps you get a tasty base without heaviness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning beef and simmering soup evenly.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – helps you break up the ground beef and stir without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the broth and seasonings just right.
- Ladle – great for serving the hot soup without spills.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste and less fat.
- Add diced green beans or peas for extra texture and a fresh vegetable boost.
- Stir in a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce for deeper umami flavor.
- Top the soup with shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and richness.
Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups beef broth
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 40-45 minutes to cook the soup, including simmering time. Overall, plan for roughly 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables slightly.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Mix in the canned diced tomatoes with juices and tomato paste (if using). Pour in the beef broth and add all the seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and basil. Stir everything well.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Finish with Corn and Seasoning:
Add the corn kernels and simmer an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary if you like. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Frozen carrots, celery, corn, and potatoes work well—just add them slightly earlier during simmering to make sure they cook through.
How Do I Store Leftover Hamburger Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Prepare the soup fully, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
