This one-pot meal combines the richness of ground beef with a medley of garden vegetables, creating a deliciously balanced and filling dish. It’s not just a recipe — it’s a wholesome tradition, perfect for chilly evenings, quick weeknight dinners, or easy meal prep sessions.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to warm up after a long day, this Hamburger Vegetable Soup is your ultimate comfort-food companion. It’s nutritious, affordable, freezer-friendly, and — most importantly — absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There are countless reasons why this recipe earns a permanent place in your weekly rotation:
- 🥘 One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot — less cleanup, more flavor.
- 🌽 Nutritious & balanced: Protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy carbs in one bowl.
- 🧄 Customizable: Use any vegetables you have — a great way to clean out the fridge.
- 🕒 Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour.
- 🍲 Make-ahead & freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and reheating.
- ❤️ Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it!
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — or unhealthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this hearty soup, gather the following simple yet flavorful ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) | Use lean for lighter soup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Optional, prevents sticking |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Boosts flavor |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced | For color and texture |
| Celery | 2 stalks, sliced | Adds a nice aromatic crunch |
| Potatoes | 2 medium, diced | Thickens and makes soup hearty |
| Green beans | 1 cup, chopped | Fresh or frozen both work |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup | Fresh, frozen, or canned |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Undrained for best flavor |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | Enhances richness |
| Beef broth | 4 cups (950 ml) | Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if desired |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Adds an earthy note |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp | Complements the tomato base |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust before serving |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables & Liquids
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Adjust & Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or homemade biscuits.
Expert Tips for the Best Flavor
- Brown the beef properly: Let it develop a deep brown crust — this builds rich flavor.
- Use homemade broth: It adds depth and authenticity.
- Don’t skip aromatics: Onion and garlic are key to creating that comforting homemade taste.
- Make it thicker: Mash a few potatoes or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Brighten it up: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh finish.
Delicious Variations
🦃 Lean Turkey Version
Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version. It’s equally hearty and flavorful.
🌱 Vegetarian Delight
Skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add beans like kidney or chickpeas for extra protein.
🔥 Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a bold twist.
🍚 Grain-Boosted Option
Add cooked rice, quinoa, or barley during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a thicker, filling texture.
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan just before serving for a creamy, indulgent touch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
This balance of nutrients makes Hamburger Vegetable Soup a guilt-free meal that supports both comfort and health.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool the soup completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Pro Tip: Portion soup into individual containers before freezing for easy grab-and-go lunches.
What to Serve with Hamburger Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try these delicious accompaniments:
- Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Cheddar biscuits or cornbread
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Simple buttered noodles
For a complete cozy dinner, serve it alongside a light dessert like Pumpkin Cheese Ball or Quick Italian Cream Cake from our blog.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it fits into your busy schedule.
Here’s how to make your week easier:
- Cook ahead: Prepare a full batch and refrigerate for up to four days.
- Freeze portions: Perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
- Prep ingredients separately: Chop veggies and store in sealed bags — ready to dump into the pot when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking vegetables: They should be tender, not mushy.
- Skipping the simmer: Give the soup time to let flavors blend.
- Not tasting before serving: Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect balance.
- Too much salt early on: Wait until the soup reduces before final seasoning.
Serving for Occasions
This soup isn’t just for weeknights. It’s perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Fall or winter potlucks
- School lunches in thermos containers
- Recovery meals when someone’s under the weather
- A cozy night with a movie and blanket
Homemade Broth Option
If you want to elevate your soup even further, try making your own beef broth:
- Ingredients: Beef bones, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and water.
- Method: Simmer for 2–3 hours, strain, and use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Homemade broth gives your soup a richer, deeper flavor — a small step that makes a big difference.
Healthy Benefits
Hamburger Vegetable Soup isn’t just comforting — it’s loaded with nutrients that support wellness:
- Protein: Builds and repairs body tissues.
- Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes fullness.
- Vitamins: Carrots and celery provide vitamin A and K.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes and garlic support immune function.
- Hydration: The broth keeps you nourished and hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work perfectly — no need to thaw them first.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato sauce.
4. Can I add noodles or pasta?
You can! Add cooked noodles in the final few minutes, but note that pasta will soak up broth over time.
5. How do I make it richer?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering.
Storage Safety Tips
- Cool soup before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth.
- Always reheat until piping hot (165°F / 74°C).
- Avoid refreezing thawed soup.
Why This Recipe Works
This Hamburger Vegetable Soup captures the best of home-cooked comfort with simple techniques and natural ingredients. The browned beef adds savory depth, the vegetables bring texture and color, and the herbs tie everything together into a nourishing, flavorful blend.
It’s economical, easy to prepare, adaptable to dietary needs, and satisfying enough to serve as a full meal. No fancy ingredients, just timeless kitchen magic.
Conclusion
Few meals rival the pure, satisfying warmth of Hamburger Vegetable Soup. It’s a complete comfort bowl that bridges nostalgia with nutrition — reminding us that simple recipes often create the most memorable moments.
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