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This Hamburger Soup Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner idea. It comes together in no time and makes a delicious family dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Hamburger Soup is an easy and quick soup to put together and the perfect weeknight dinner solution. You really can make dinner in about 20 minutes if you don’t let it simmer. The simmer does help meld the flavors together but it is still delicious without the hour or so of simmering.
My mom has been making this soup for years and the recipe is actually handwritten on an index card – you know it’s an oldie but goodie when it’ handwritten!
Ingredients Needed
- Ground beef, lean
- Beef Broth
- Carrots, Celery, and Onions
- Canned Tomatoes, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Garlic
- Salt
- Corn
- Basil
- Ketchup
How to Make Hamburger Soup
- In a large pot, brown the hamburger along with the garlic.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Add in all remaining ingredients.
- Bring to boil
- Reduce heat and simmer 1-1/2 hours.
Tips
- For our reduced size family this soup made enough for 3 meals. This hamburger soup freezes great in some zippered freezer bags.
- The soup thickens up a bit after it cools down, so just add in some more beef broth before you serve it again and it will stretch even further! If you want to make the soup thicker add in a couple of tablespoons tomato paste.
- You can also add in other veggies such as green beans or peas. Add these in with the corn.
- To make the hamburger soup more hearty you can also add in some pasta such as macaroni noodles. Add in during the simmering time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze hamburger soup?
Yes it can be frozen. Store soup in an airtight container leaving some room at top for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I add potatoes to the soup?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients and then add in the peeled and diced potatoes and allow to simmer until potatoes are fork tender. I recommend using Yukon gold potatoes.
Can I make hamburger soup in the slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the fresh vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. Then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours.
Can I make Hamburger Soup in my Instant Pot?
Yes, brown beef in Instant Pot on “sauté” setting, transfer beef to plate, leaving 1 Tbsp fat in pot. Then sauté the carrot, onion, celery and garlic. Turn to “off” setting. Add in the remaining ingredients, cover and seal. Cook on manual mode for 8 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Check out more of my favorite soup recipes:
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Hamburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 2 tsp. garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 32 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 oz frozen corn kernels
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
Instructions
- Brown hamburger with garlic
- Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot
- Bring to boil
- Reduce heat and simmer 1-1/2 hours
Tips & Notes:
- The soup thickens up a bit after it cools down, so just add in some more beef broth before you serve it again and it will stretch even further! If you want to make the soup thicker add in a couple of tablespoons tomato paste.
- You can also add in other veggies such as green beans or peas. Add these in with the corn.
- To make the hamburger soup more hearty you can also add in some pasta such as macaroni noodles. Add in during the simmering time.
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Nutrition Facts:
Nancy McPhee says
I have been cooking your hamburger soup for many years. I don’t know where I got the recipe, but most of my hometown friends also have it and love it. Most likey one of them got it from you.
I use salt free tomatoes and corn, low sodium broth and a saltless seasoning due to a family member who is diabetic with heart problems. Still a terrific soup that we enjoy so much.
Leigh Anne says
Nancy, It is one of our family favorites too – so glad you love it!
Linda says
Love this soup! I do have some changes, though. I would use tomato paste instead of ketchup. And 6 cups of water? That’s an insane amount of liquid in addition to the tomatoes and tomato sauce. I added 1 can tomato sauce, 2 cans petite diced tomatoes and 1 can beef broth, and that is plenty soupy enough. Also added about 3-4 potatoes cut up. I would wait with the salt until everything is added, and then add salt to taste. Will be making it again 🙂
Stacy says
Hi! Getting ready to make this for the first time tonight. All I could find were extra-large beef bouillon cubes. Do I use 6 of this size or should I cut back the number I use?
Thanks!
Janet Bradley says
Can this soup be made in a crock pot? If so how long do you think it should be cooked?
Thank, Janet
Leigh Anne says
I am sure you could cook it in a crock pot. I have never done it though. I would just put it on low for a couple of hours.
KT says
My husband’s sister gave me this recipe when we were first married 40+ years ago. Their Mother made it and everyone loved it. Actually, when she gave it to me, she called it “Harvest Soup”. Maybe that title will appeal to you more than Hamburger Soup.
Leigh Anne says
I like your name better! Guess I better rename the recipe. Thanks!