Embrace the comforting flavors of a classic childhood favorite with this hearty Hamburger Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this wholesome meal is packed with tender ground beef, a colorful array of vegetables, and comforting noodles, making it incredibly satisfying and delicious for the whole family.

Craving more heartwarming bowls of goodness? Explore other cozy soup recipes like our vibrant Chicken Enchilada Soup or the rich and creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.

Hearty Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

A Journey Back to Childhood: The Timeless Appeal of Hamburger Soup

There’s a special magic in foods that transport you straight back to your childhood kitchen, especially when the weather outside is cold and gloomy. While my Homemade Bean and Bacon Soup often calls to me when nostalgia strikes, recently, my heart yearned for the simple, comforting embrace of my mom’s Hamburger Soup. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a reminder of simpler times and family gatherings.

Diving into our family recipe collection, I used the original version as a cherished starting point. What emerged from my kitchen was a perfected rendition of this beloved classic—a deeply satisfying soup that I now look forward to enjoying throughout the colder months. It’s a testament to timeless flavors, made even better with a few thoughtful tweaks that enhance its richness and depth.

This Hamburger Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Each spoonful delivers a medley of textures and tastes, from the tender ground beef to the soft macaroni noodles and the perfectly cooked vegetables, all swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. It’s the kind of meal that truly warms you from the inside out, making any cold evening feel a little brighter.

What Makes a Great Hamburger Soup So Special?

Unlike some modern variations like a Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup, this traditional Hamburger Soup doesn’t aim to mimic a hamburger in flavor or form. Its name stems from a bygone era, specifically the 1970s and 80s, when ground beef was commonly referred to as “hamburger” by many home cooks. This soup is a celebration of humble ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.

One of the standout features of this soup is its incredible budget-friendliness. Ground beef is an economical protein, and when combined with an abundance of vegetables and pasta, it stretches remarkably far. This makes it an ideal meal for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers without breaking the bank. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive.

Moreover, the ingredients required for this Hamburger Soup are typically pantry staples. I often find myself with all the necessary components already on hand, making it my go-to choice when meal planning falls by the wayside. Its simplicity and accessibility mean you can whip up a nourishing, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort, transforming basic items into a comforting feast. It’s the kind of reliable recipe every home cook needs in their repertoire for those spontaneous, no-fuss dinner moments.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Hamburger Soup

• Pasta: While classic macaroni is my top choice for its familiar shape and ability to absorb the rich broth, feel free to experiment with other small pasta varieties. Small shells or farfalle are excellent alternatives that add a playful texture and heartiness to the soup, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing your aromatic vegetables, a good quality extra virgin olive oil lays the foundation for flavor. If you prefer, other cooking oils like canola or vegetable oil can be used, but olive oil adds a subtle richness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery, and Garlic: This classic blend, often called a mirepoix, forms the aromatic backbone of the soup. These vegetables are crucial for building deep flavor. For even cooking and consistent texture, aim to dice your onions, carrots, and celery to roughly the same size. Fresh garlic, added towards the end of sautéing, provides a pungent, irresistible aroma and taste.
• Ground Beef: I highly recommend using a leaner ground beef (such as 90/10 or 93/7). This minimizes the amount of fat rendered during cooking, often eliminating the need to drain excess grease and making the soup lighter and less oily. If using a higher fat content, be sure to drain off any accumulated fat after browning.
• Oregano, Basil, and Seasoned Salt: These dried herbs are the soul of the soup’s savory profile, offering warm, earthy notes. Oregano brings a slightly peppery, robust flavor, while basil adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Seasoned salt enhances all the flavors with a convenient blend of salt and spices. Always remember to adjust the final seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to your personal taste.
• Dry Onion Soup Mix: This secret ingredient is a game-changer! It’s an effortless way to infuse the soup with a concentrated, savory umami flavor that tastes like you’ve been simmering the broth for hours. You can easily find it in the soup aisle of most grocery stores, and it significantly boosts the complexity of the broth.
• Beef Broth: The quality of your beef broth directly impacts the richness of your soup. Opt for a good quality beef broth or stock to create a robust and flavorful base. Low-sodium varieties are great for controlling the overall saltiness, allowing you to season to your preference.
• Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: This combination provides both texture and profound tomato flavor. Diced tomatoes offer bursts of fresh, slightly acidic notes and a pleasant chew, while the smooth tomato sauce thickens the broth slightly and contributes a richer, more concentrated tomato essence. Together, they create a perfectly balanced and flavorful broth.
• Soy Sauce: Don’t skip this one! Just a tablespoon of soy sauce acts as a powerful flavor enhancer, bringing all the different components of the soup into harmony. It doesn’t make the soup taste like an Asian dish but instead adds an incredible depth and umami punch that rounds out the savory profile beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the moment of serving is the perfect finishing touch. Its salty, nutty, and slightly sharp flavor melts into the hot soup, adding another layer of savory goodness and a wonderfully creamy texture.

Crafting Your Perfect Pot of Hamburger Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season generously with salt – this is key to flavoring your pasta from the inside out. Add your chosen pasta, like macaroni, and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite but cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. It will be added back into the soup at the very end to prevent it from getting mushy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a spacious soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant, usually about 5-7 minutes. In the final minute of cooking these vegetables, stir in the minced garlic until it becomes aromatic but not browned.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the softened vegetables. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. If you used a fattier ground beef, carefully drain off any excess rendered fat at this stage to keep the soup lighter.
4. Season the Meat and Veggies: Once the beef is browned, stir in the oregano, basil, and seasoned salt. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma. Then, incorporate the dry onion soup mix, stirring it well into the beef and vegetable mixture. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
5. Simmer the Soup Base: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and the secret ingredient – soy sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for allowing all the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly rich broth.
6. Combine and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, stir the reserved cooked pasta into the simmering soup. Let it heat through for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the pasta to warm up and absorb some of the delicious broth. Ladle the hot Hamburger Soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Hamburger Soup

While this Hamburger Soup recipe is fantastic as written, there are many ways to make it your own and ensure every batch is perfect. Here are some pro tips and tricks to elevate your cooking experience:

• Customize Your Veggies: The beauty of this soup is its adaptability. While it’s less veggie-dense than a minestrone, don’t hesitate to add more if you have extra vegetables in your fridge that need to be used up. Think corn, peas, green beans, diced potatoes, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes earlier in the simmering process to ensure they cook through.
• Fresh vs. Canned/Frozen: I prefer fresh vegetables for their vibrant flavor and texture, but my mom often used canned or frozen vegetables, and it was always delicious! If you opt for canned vegetables (like corn or green beans), add them during the last few minutes of simmering, as they are already cooked. Frozen vegetables can be added during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Enhance the Broth: For an even richer, deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the soup during the simmering stage, removing it before serving. A splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can also add complexity and a savory boost to the broth.
• Serving Suggestions: This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or some homemade garlic knots.
• Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the diced tomatoes or potatoes against the side of the pot as it simmers. Alternatively, for a slightly thinner consistency, add a bit more beef broth until it reaches your desired texture.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings can give this soup a lovely kick.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Your Hamburger Soup

This Hamburger Soup recipe is wonderfully straightforward and quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings. However, its flavors also deepen beautifully when made ahead of time, and it stores exceptionally well with a few considerations:

• Making Ahead: If you plan to prepare the soup in advance or let it simmer on the stove for an extended period, the most crucial tip is to **wait to add the pasta until just before serving.** Cooked pasta, when left in soup for too long, will absorb excessive liquid and become mushy. Prepare the soup base (beef, vegetables, broth) and store it separately from the cooked pasta. When ready to eat, simply reheat the soup base, add freshly cooked (or reheated) pasta, and let it warm through for a few minutes.
• Storing Leftovers (Refrigerator): Store any leftover Hamburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If the pasta was added to the entire batch, you might notice it has soaked up a lot of the broth, causing the soup to thicken considerably. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of extra beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing for Future Meals: Hamburger Soup is an excellent candidate for freezing, provided you follow one key rule: **do not add the pasta before freezing.** The pasta’s texture will become unpleasantly soft and mushy after thawing and reheating. Instead, prepare the soup base (everything except the pasta) as directed. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Frozen Soup: To enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once thawed and hot, cook a fresh batch of macaroni or your preferred small pasta and stir it into the warmed soup just before serving. This ensures the pasta retains its ideal texture and the soup tastes as fresh as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Soup

Q: Can I use different ground meat instead of beef?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground pork and beef would work well in this recipe. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed, as leaner meats might cook faster. For ground poultry, you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a touch of chicken bouillon to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, vegetarian ground “meat” crumbles can be used for a meatless version.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you have a few options. You can mash some of the softened vegetables or diced tomatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher. For a more significant thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup and cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Adding more pasta can also naturally thicken the soup as it absorbs liquid.

Q: My pasta gets too mushy in the soup. How can I prevent this?

A: The best way to prevent mushy pasta is to add it only when you’re ready to serve. Cook the pasta separately to al dente, then stir it into individual bowls or into the main pot just a few minutes before serving to warm through. If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s always best to store the cooked pasta separately and add it to each portion as it’s reheated.

Q: What if I don’t have dry onion soup mix?

A: While the dry onion soup mix adds a unique depth, you can substitute it. A good alternative is a combination of 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon celery seed, and a pinch of dried parsley flakes, along with a little extra salt and pepper to taste. You could also use a good quality beef bouillon cube or paste for an added savory boost.

Q: How long does hamburger soup last?

A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator (without pasta in the main batch, ideally), hamburger soup will last for 3-4 days. If you’ve included the pasta in the entire batch, it’s still safe to eat, but the pasta’s texture will soften, and the broth will be significantly absorbed. For longer storage, freeze the soup base (without pasta) for up to 3 months.

More Hearty Soup Recipes to Explore

• Homemade Beef Stew
• Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
• Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder
• Zuppa Toscana
• Curried Butternut Squash Soup
• New England Chicken Corn Chowder

Hamburger Soup

Rated 4.75 stars from 8 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Servings:
8 servings

Course:
Soup

Cuisine:
American

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A favorite childhood comfort food, this Hamburger Soup is a cold night must have. Filled with veggies, ground beef, and noodles, it is filling and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup macaroni noodles
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
3. Add the ground beef and continue to cook, breaking the beef up as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain any fat, if needed.
4. Stir in the oregano, basil, and seasoned salt. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir for 30 seconds, then stir in the onion soup mix.
5. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Let the soup come to a bubble, then lower the temperature and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the pasta into the soup, let it heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve topped with the parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes:

If making ahead of time, keep the pasta on the side. Add just before serving.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of soup, Calories: 329kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 33g (11%), Protein: 24g (48%), Fat: 11g (17%), Saturated Fat: 4g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 51mg (17%), Sodium: 1479mg (64%), Fiber: 5g (21%), Sugar: 9g (10%)

Keywords:
hamburger soup, soup recipe, ground beef soup, comfort food