Lu-Ann Simon April 6, 2026

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Hamburger Soup

Name: Hamburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 cup elbow noodles; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, green beans)

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There is something wonderfully simple about a steaming bowl of hamburger soup on a chilly evening, the kitchen filling with the rich scent of browned beef, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs. This soup is cozy without being fussy, a one-pot comfort that warms both hands and mood, perfect for family dinners, weeknight leftovers, or a slow Sunday when you want something filling and forgiving. If you enjoy hearty, family-friendly meals that stretch a little further, you might also like this comforting cheesy hamburger rice casserole which captures similar flavors in a baked dish.

Why This Hamburger Soup Works

This hamburger soup hits a comfortable balance between meat, vegetables, and pasta, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that is both rustic and refined. The ground beef gives the broth a savory backbone, while the mixed vegetables add bright pops of sweetness and texture, so every spoonful feels varied and homey. The noodles soak up the broth and soften just enough to make the soup feel substantial without becoming heavy.

Reasons to reach for this recipe

It comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners easier.
The ingredients are pantry friendly and adaptable.
It freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have lunches ready.
Kids and adults alike enjoy the familiar flavors and soft noodles.

What You’ll Need

Think of the ingredients as building blocks, each playing a clear role. Ground beef creates savory depth, aromatics like onion and garlic build fragrance, carrots and celery add sweetness and texture, and elbow noodles make the bowl feel like a full meal. If you want a lighter version, swap in ground turkey or ground chicken, and use low sodium beef broth to control salt.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup elbow noodles
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, green beans)

Notes, use a low sodium broth if you plan to add extra salt, and frozen mixed vegetables make the soup quick and convenient.

How to Cook Hamburger Soup

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon until the meat is no longer pink and it releases a rich aroma, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the broth clear and not greasy.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and the onion turns translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes, the kitchen should smell sweet and savory.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting its warmth bloom without burning it, this keeps the flavor bright.
Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot so those concentrated flavors dissolve into the liquid.
Add the elbow noodles, Italian seasoning, and the mixed vegetables, stirring to distribute everything evenly, the noodles begin to float and the vegetables add color to the pot.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender, about 10 minutes, watching the noodles so they do not overcook.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, give the soup a final stir, and adjust the seasoning so each spoonful has the right balance of savory and herb notes.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~30 minutes, Total ~45 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~320

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

Hamburger soup is very forgiving for make-ahead planning. You can chop the onion, carrots, and celery up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which speeds assembly on the day you cook. Brown the beef ahead of time if you prefer, cool it, and refrigerate separately to preserve texture.

If you want to fully assemble the soup and finish later, combine the browned beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and broth in a container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, then add noodles and mixed vegetables when reheating to prevent the pasta from getting mushy. For busy weeks, make a double batch and freeze portions so a comforting dinner is ready with minimal effort.

How to Store Leftovers

In the refrigerator, cooled hamburger soup will keep well for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container, label the container with the date to stay organized. For longer storage, transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags, leaving some headroom for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

To reheat from the fridge, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then simmer on the stove until piping hot, or reheat directly from frozen on low, covered, until thoroughly warmed. A freshness cue is bright color and a clean savory aroma, if the soup smells off or has an unusual film, discard it.

What Goes Well with Hamburger Soup

Crusty bread or a warm roll, perfect for dipping and soaking up broth.
A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the soup.
Grated Parmesan or mild cheddar, for sprinkling on top for a creamy finish.
Buttery toasted crackers, for a familiar, nostalgic crunch.
A bowl of coleslaw, for cool, crisp contrast.

Make It Your Own

Turn this base into something uniquely yours with a few simple swaps and add-ins.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a lighter texture, the soup will be just as flavorful with a leaner protein.
Stir in a can of drained beans, like cannellini or kidney beans, for extra fiber and heartiness, beans pair nicely with the tomato broth.
Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking, the greens wilt quickly and add color and nutrients.
Replace elbow noodles with small shells, ditalini, or even barley for a chewy, comforting grain.
For a smoky, salty accent, crumble crisped turkey bacon over each bowl, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch.
Make it cheesy by stirring in a half cup of shredded cheddar at the end, the cheese melts into a silky finish.
If you like a bolder herb profile, add a bay leaf while simmering, and remove it before serving.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

Inspiration can also come from similar soups with different shapes and textures, try a riff inspired by the creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup if you want a richer, creamier take with different noodle shapes.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Brown the meat thoroughly, letting it develop deep color, those caramelized bits add a lot of flavor to the broth.
Use low sodium beef broth if you want to control the final salt level, you can always add more later.
Add noodles toward the end of cooking, this prevents them from becoming pasty in leftovers.
Stir gently and occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and to prevent noodles from sticking.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper just before serving, seasoning layers will concentrate as the soup cooks.
If the soup tastes flat after refrigeration, reheat and finish with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of elbow noodles?
You can swap elbow noodles for small shells, ditalini, or short pasta shapes, even short grain rice or barley work well. Keep an eye on cooking times, since some grains take longer to soften than pasta.

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with broth and tomatoes. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, and add the noodles in the last 20 to 30 minutes so they do not overcook.

Is hamburger soup freezer friendly?
Hamburger soup freezes well, though pasta can soften after freezing and thawing. To maintain texture, freeze the soup without the noodles and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating, or accept a softer noodle as part of the convenience.

How do I make this soup lower in fat?
Choose lean ground beef, or substitute ground turkey or chicken, drain any excess fat after browning, and use low fat broth. Increasing the ratio of vegetables also stretches the meal while reducing per serving calories.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes work, especially when they are ripe and juicy, use about 2 cups chopped and add a splash of canned tomato juice or a little extra broth if needed. Canned diced tomatoes add consistency and convenience, especially in the off season.

How do I fix a soup that tastes too salty?
If the soup becomes too salty, add unsalted broth or water and a diced potato, simmer until the potato absorbs some of the excess salt, then remove the potato. A squeeze of lemon can also help balance a slightly salty broth.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger soup is an unfussy, reliable comfort that rewards simple attention, a warm bowl filled with familiar flavors that bring people together without a lot of fuss. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight, double the batch for the freezer, or customize it with your favorite vegetables and pasta shapes, this soup will be a welcome presence in your rotation. Give it a try soon, and enjoy the little ritual of stirring, tasting, and sharing a bowl that feels like a hug from the inside.

Hamburger Soup

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting hamburger soup filled with ground beef, vegetables, and elbow noodles, perfect for chilly evenings.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping any browned bits from the pot.
Add the elbow noodles, Italian seasoning, and mixed vegetables, stirring to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.