This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup is packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, green beans, and sweet corn in a rich tomato broth. It’s a simple, filling meal that brings classic homemade comfort to the dinner table.

Made in one pot with everyday ingredients, this family-friendly soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and satisfying.

 

Why You’ll Love This Soup

– Easy one-pot dinner: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.
– Hearty and filling: Ground beef and vegetables make every bowl satisfying.
– Family-friendly: A comforting recipe everyone can enjoy.
– Great for leftovers: The flavors taste even better the next day.

 

Recipe Details

– Servings: 6–8
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
– Total Time: About 1 hour
– Cooking Method: Stovetop
– Course: Main Dish, Soup
– Difficulty: Easy

 

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 ½ cups green beans, cut into pieces
– 1 cup sweet corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

 

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30–45 seconds.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the potatoes, green beans, corn, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.

5. Simmer the Soup: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

 

Variations & Tips

– Use ground turkey: A lighter alternative to ground beef.
– Add pasta or rice: Stir in ½ cup of small pasta or uncooked white rice, adding extra broth if needed. Adjust the cooking time until tender.
– Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
– Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces help everything cook at the same rate.

 

Storage & Reheating

– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.
– Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hamburger soup ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen green beans and corn work perfectly. Add them directly to the pot.

What potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape nicely, while Russet potatoes become softer and give the broth a slightly thicker texture.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef with the onion, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

 

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a dependable family dinner made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor. Make a big pot, serve it with warm bread, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.