Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a classic, comforting bowl full of hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple, satisfying, and reminds me of those good old family dinners everyone enjoys.
I love how this soup brings together easy ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes with savory browned hamburger meat — it’s a combination that’s been a favorite in my kitchen for years. Whenever I make this, I like to season it just right with a bit of garlic and herbs, which really makes all the flavors come alive.
My favorite way to serve this soup is with a side of crusty bread to dip and soak up every bit of that tasty broth. It’s a perfect meal to make when you want something cozy and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers always taste even better the next day, which is a bonus!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup, giving it richness and a satisfying texture. I like using 80/20 beef for flavor and moisture. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes add body and sweetness. If fresh potatoes aren’t on hand, frozen or even sweet potatoes can work well too.
Broth: Beef broth deepens the soup’s flavor. If you want a lighter taste, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead.
Frozen peas and corn: These add pops of color and sweetness near the end. You can swap frozen for fresh or canned if needed—just rinse canned to avoid extra salt.
Herbs & seasoning: Dried basil and oregano bring classic soup flavor. Fresh herbs are great if available, just add towards the end to keep their brightness.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor and Texture in My Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup?
Here are some simple steps and tips to get a rich, well-balanced soup:
- Brown the beef well. Let it caramelize a bit in the pot for better flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Sauté onions and garlic. This softens their sharpness, bringing sweetness and depth.
- Cook veggies in broth. Instead of boiling hard, simmer gently to keep veggies tender but not mushy.
- Add frozen peas and corn last. Just heating these through keeps them fresh and bright, avoiding a mushy texture.
- Season gradually. Taste as you go and adjust salt and herbs near the end for the best balance.
Following these tips makes your soup taste like it’s simmered for hours even if it’s ready in under an hour!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning the beef and simmering the soup evenly without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – great for stirring the soup and breaking up the ground beef.
- Chef’s knife – you’ll need this for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
- Cutting board – to keep your workspace clean and organized while prepping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helpful for adding the right amount of broth, herbs, and seasonings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still keeps the soup hearty.
- Add diced green beans or zucchini for extra veggies that boost texture and nutrition.
- Stir in a cup of cooked rice or small pasta during the last few minutes for a more filling soup.
- Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle smoky or spicy twist.
How to Make Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and browning, plus 30-35 minutes for simmering the soup until the vegetables are tender. Total time is roughly 45-50 minutes, making it a great weekday meal that’s both hearty and quick.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, using a spoon to break it into small pieces, until it’s fully browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the pot.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables:
Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir the soup so everything is mixed evenly.
5. Season and Simmer:
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when you poke them with a fork.
6. Stir in Peas and Corn:
Add the frozen peas and corn to the soup. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, just until they’re heated through. This keeps the peas and corn nice and fresh.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Then ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, celery, and potatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Just add them directly to the pot and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re tender.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Other Proteins or Vegetables?
Definitely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or add extra veggies like green beans or zucchini. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything tender and delicious.
