Name: Hearty Hamburger and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 ½ cups beef broth; 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can); 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can); 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables or fresh chopped vegetables

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 66 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a bowl of pure cozy comfort, Easy Hamburger Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero! This hearty, veggie-packed classic simmers up quickly, using simple, wholesome ingredients—and the result is a savory, soul-warming soup that everyone at the table will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Weeknight Wonder: This Easy Hamburger Soup comes together in about 35 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy evenings!
Pantry-Friendly: With common staples like ground beef, potatoes, canned tomatoes, and frozen veggies, you probably have everything you need on hand.
Family-Friendly Flavor: It’s savory and satisfying, with lots of veggies and wholesome beef flavor everyone in the family will appreciate.
So Comforting: Every spoonful is classic home-cooked deliciousness with plenty of color, texture, and warmth—like a hug in a bowl!

Hearty Hamburger and Vegetable Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Easy Hamburger Soup is how it uses humble, everyday ingredients to create a comforting meal. Each addition—whether it’s the hearty beef, sweet onions, or colorful vegetables—adds its own special note to the symphony of flavor in every bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): Go for lean to keep the soup lighter, but rich in flavor—drain any excess fat for a fresh-tasting broth.
Onion (1, diced): Sweet and aromatic, diced onion is the perfect base for building savory flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a hint of garlic gives the soup subtle depth and mouthwatering aroma.
Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): Potatoes add heartiness and make this soup extra filling and cozy.
Beef Broth (3 ½ cups): The flavorful backbone of the soup—warmed with every comforting spoonful.
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Juices (28 ounces): Tomatoes bring a touch of tang and gorgeous color to the pot—don’t drain them, that juice is gold!
Condensed Tomato Soup (1 can, 10.75 ounces): Adds richness, body, and a subtle sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 teaspoons): Just enough for a deep, savory kick you’ll love.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends aromatic herbs and spices for classic warmth.
Bay Leaf (1): Infuses gentle herbal notes—just remember to fish it out before serving.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Don’t forget these classics to balance and bring out every flavor.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables or Fresh Chopped Vegetables (3 cups): Choose your favorites! Frozen blends save time, or chop up what’s in your fridge—anything goes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Easy Hamburger Soup truly lives up to its name—it welcomes swaps and tweaks! I encourage you to make it your own, whether that means adapting for what’s in your kitchen or fitting your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “meat” for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Make It Gluten-Free: Double-check your broth and canned soup, or swap the tomato soup for extra diced tomatoes (or a gluten-free alternative).
Try Different Veggies: Fresh green beans, zucchini, corn, bell peppers, or even spinach tossed in at the end are all deliciously welcome.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or swap in a fire-roasted diced tomato for extra kick!

How to Make Easy Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion & Garlic

Grab your favorite large soup pot or Dutch oven, and set it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sauté everything until the beef is beautifully browned and there’s no pink left—this gives the soup its craveable “hamburger-y” base! If there’s any excess fat, be sure to drain it for a lighter soup.

Step 2: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Flavorings

Now it’s time to layer in the flavor! Add the diced potatoes, pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with all those lovely juices), condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, bring it up to a simmer, and cover. Let it bubble away, covered, for about 10 minutes, so the potatoes start to soften and the flavors meld.

Step 3: Stir in the Veggies

Lift the lid and add your mixed or chopped fresh vegetables. Stir to combine, then cover and keep simmering for another 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for those potatoes to be perfectly fork-tender and every veggie to be vibrantly cooked but not mushy. Taste, season with salt and pepper, then remove that bay leaf before serving!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Soup

Golden Brown Beef: Don’t rush the browning step for the ground beef—the more browned and caramelized, the richer your soup will taste!
Cut Even Veggies: Dice potatoes and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and give every bite the perfect texture.
Soup Thickness: If you prefer a soupier base, add an extra cup of broth; for a thicker, stew-like result, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.
Flavor Boosters: A splash of hot sauce or a smidge of smoked paprika can add extra pizzazz—try it if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Serve Easy Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives goes a long way in adding a pop of color and brightness to each steamy bowl of Easy Hamburger Soup. For extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or a generous grating of sharp cheddar can take this soup from satisfying to absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are classic companions—perfect for dunking and scooping up every last bit of soup. For something lighter, pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for a crisp contrast to the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Hamburger Soup in colorful bowls with lots of fresh herbs on top, or ladle it into a big bread bowl for a dramatic and delicious twist. If you’re entertaining, offer toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or homemade croutons so everyone can build their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool before transferring it into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

Easy Hamburger Soup is a freezer-friendly gem! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have homemade comfort food at your fingertips.

Reheating

The soup reheats like a dream—just warm it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until piping hot. If it thickens up in the fridge, simply stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen as needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in Easy Hamburger Soup?

Absolutely! Use whatever veggies you have—carrots, celery, bell peppers, green beans, or even zucchini work perfectly. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add with the potatoes in step 2 for best texture.
Is Easy Hamburger Soup gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure your broth and tomato soup are verified gluten-free (or swap out the soup for extra tomatoes or tomato puree). Double-check seasoning blends as well just to be safe.
Can I make Easy Hamburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes—a big pot of this soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and meld. Prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy satisfying bowls throughout the week!
How can I make this soup spicy?

For a little heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or opt for fire-roasted tomatoes. You could even stir in a dash of hot sauce for that extra warming kick!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hamburger Soup has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count—and I just know it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. However you adapt it, every bowl is sure to bring warmth, comfort, and happy faces around the table. Give it a try soon, and let me know how you make it your own!

Hearty Hamburger and Vegetable Soup Recipe