Hamburger Soup Recipe

This hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner or a family meal. With tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich blend of vegetables, this soup delivers rich flavors in every bite. The stovetop method allows for a quick, satisfying meal in under an hour, while the crock pot method offers a convenient, hands-off approach for busy days. Featuring beef broth, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and a variety of frozen vegetables, this easy-to-make soup is customizable and can be adjusted to your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a ground beef soup recipe or a hearty vegetable soup to enjoy year-round, this dish is sure to please!

Ingredients

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, dried parsley
• ¾ teaspoon EACH: dried thyme, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage

Soup

• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large red potatoes or 4 small, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups frozen vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn, green beans)

Instructions

Stove Top Method

1. Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Lightly season the ground beef with salt and pepper. In a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 5 minutes, or until most of the pink is gone.
3. Add the onions and celery. Toss to coat and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
5. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Crock Pot Method

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, for about 5 minutes, or until most of the pink is gone.
2. Add the onions and celery. Toss to coat and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Drain excess grease and transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add all remaining ingredients except the frozen vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Hearty and Comforting: Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes for a satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Tips

• Even Cooking: Dice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Rich Flavor: Use a combination of beef and chicken broth for a deeper flavor profile.
• Creaminess: Stirring in the cream of chicken soup and milk adds a velvety texture.
• Frozen Vegetables: Add them at the end to avoid overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
• Broth: Use all beef broth or all chicken broth based on your preference.
• Vegetables: Customize with fresh or frozen vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream soup and substitute milk with a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Hamburger soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze hamburger soup?

Absolutely. Store the soup in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Add them with the potatoes during the cooking process to ensure they become tender.

How can I make this soup thicker?

For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serving: Pair with crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Suggestions: Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.