Hamburger Soup is a delightful comfort food that warms the soul, especially during chilly nights. This easy hamburger soup is ready in just 30 minutes and features ground beef, pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato broth. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep, making it a staple in my home. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a hearty meal to share with family, this recipe has you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

There are countless reasons to adore this hamburger soup. First, it’s a one-pot hamburger soup recipe that simplifies cleanup. Second, it’s packed with protein from the lean ground beef, making it a hearty ground beef soup option. Third, the addition of vegetables provides essential nutrients, transforming it into a beefy vegetable soup. Fourth, this dish is versatile; you can swap in any veggies you have on hand. Fifth, it’s a quick recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. Lastly, it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers later!

Hamburger Soup: 30-Minute Comfort Food Delight - Hamburger Soup - main visual representation

Ingredients for Hamburger Soup

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 cup Diced onion
1 tablespoon Minced garlic
1 pound Lean ground beef
10 ounces Condensed tomato soup (plus 1 can-ful of water)
14 ounces Beef broth (or about 2 cups)
1 cup Frozen corn or other canned/frozen vegetables
1 cup Small pasta, cooked to package directions (or uncooked)
Fresh minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Hamburger Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a 5 quart pot or dutch oven. Add onion and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Crumble ground beef and stir garlic into the pot with the onions and cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain as much of the grease as possible.
Step 2: Season beef with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stir in beef broth, tomato soup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn heat down to a simmer. Add the vegetables and continue to simmer until vegetables are heated through; about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions. You can also boil in the soup, but the noodles will absorb the liquid and may become mushy.
Step 5: Divide pasta into bowls, then soup, and garnish with fresh minced parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 6: If cooking the pasta IN the soup, add with the vegetables and simmer until pasta is tender.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Soup

Keep these in mind:

This soup freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.
Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer, which can help you utilize leftovers.
Adjust seasoning to taste; more herbs can enhance flavor.
For a low-carb hamburger soup variation, replace pasta with zucchini noodles.

Best Ways to Serve Hamburger Soup

Here are some serving ideas:

Serve with crusty bread for a filling meal.
Top with shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Pair with a light salad for a balanced dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Soup

This hamburger stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a covered bowl for a few minutes. This makes it one of the best hamburger soups for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Hamburger Soup?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together during the simmering process. This adds depth to your ground beef soup and makes it richer and more satisfying.

Can I make Hamburger Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This comfort food hamburger soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hamburger Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcook the pasta if added directly to the soup. It can become mushy. Also, be careful with seasoning; start with less and adjust according to your taste.

Variations of Hamburger Soup You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations:

For a gluten-free hamburger soup, use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether.
Add beans or lentils for a protein boost and more texture.
Incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Try a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

For more meal prep ideas, check out this guide. If you’re interested in more comforting recipes, visit this page. Additionally, learn about the benefits of using fresh ingredients at this resource.