There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it combines hearty hamburger with fresh, vibrant vegetables. Hamburger and vegetable soups are the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, making them a go-to meal for families and busy weeknights.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ground beef or simply want a nutritious, filling meal that’s easy to prepare, this soup delivers on all fronts. The rich, savory taste of browned hamburger complements the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes, creating a wholesome and satisfying dish.
This recipe is also highly adaptable—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add some spice for an extra kick. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
If you love hearty soups that bring comfort without fuss, keep reading to discover how to make this delicious hamburger and vegetable soup from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hamburger and vegetable soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why:
- Hearty and Filling: The ground hamburger adds a satisfying protein boost that keeps you full for hours.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flexible: You can easily adjust vegetables and seasoning to your taste or dietary needs.
- Family Friendly: Mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a great dinner solution.
This soup is comfort food at its best, especially on chilly evenings when you want something warm and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger), preferably lean
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for lighter taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Can opener for diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and slice the carrots, chop celery, potato, and green beans into pieces.
- Brown the hamburger: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes: Stir these vegetables into the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes: Add the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
- Season the soup: Add dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add green beans: Stir in the green beans and cook uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste during step 5.”
- Vegetarian adaptation: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to include corn, peas, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté veggies first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Use fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme and basil for fresh versions added near the end of cooking for a bright herbal note.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 22 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This hamburger and vegetable soup is versatile when it comes to serving. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with:
- Crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
- Steamed rice or crusty rolls for added heartiness.
- Grated cheese on top, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for an indulgent finish.
It also reheats wonderfully, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
Conclusion
Hamburger and vegetable soup is a timeless classic that brings together the best of comfort and nutrition in one delicious bowl. This recipe is straightforward enough for novice cooks but flavorful enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
With wholesome vegetables, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs, it’s an ideal meal for chilly nights or anytime you crave something warm and filling.
Plus, the flexibility in ingredients means you can tailor it to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other comforting dishes on our blog such as Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings or try some hearty vegetarian options like 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
For a flavorful spice twist in your soups, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
We hope this hamburger and vegetable soup becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation, bringing warmth, nourishment, and smiles to your table.
📖 Recipe Card: Hamburger and Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and nutritious soup combining ground beef with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and thyme; cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add green beans and corn; cook for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 15 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Hamburger and Vegetable Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious soup combining ground beef with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “4 cups beef broth”, “1 cup green beans, chopped”, “1 cup corn kernels”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in carrots, celery, and thyme; cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add green beans and corn; cook for another 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}