If you’re in search of a soul-soothing meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious, look no further than this Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender veggies, and a rich, savory broth, this soup is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a nostalgic classic that’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or for feeding a hungry crowd. And best of all, with a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a wholesome, colorful pot of goodness simmering in no time.

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup is how the humble ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each veggie, seasoning, and protein contributes its own special touch, from vibrant color to deep, meaty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef for a foundation of flavor.
Ground beef: The heart of the soup, providing protein and a satisfying, savory taste.
Sweet onion: Brings a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with a robust, aromatic kick.
Tomato paste: Deepens the color and intensifies the tomato base.
Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and brilliant orange color.
Celery: Lends an herbal crunch and subtle earthiness.
Bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
Yukon gold potatoes: Delightfully creamy and perfect for soaking up all the broth.
Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes: Layer in a gentle smokiness; pureed diced tomatoes work too.
Beef broth: Enriches the soup, giving it depth and a savory backbone.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, allowing all flavors to shine.
Ground pepper: Adds a gentle bite and complexity.
Italian seasoning: Brings an herby, fragrant boost that ties the vegetables and beef together.
Bay leaf: Imparts subtle aromatic notes that round out the broth.
Green beans: Introduce vibrant color and fresh, snappy texture in every spoonful.

How to Make Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is deeply browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes. The secret here is to let the beef develop those golden brown bits on the bottom; they’ll add tons of flavor to your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Alliums

With the beef browned, stir in your diced sweet onion. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir constantly for a minute—this quick step makes the whole pot irresistibly aromatic.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Now, add in the tomato paste. Use your spoon to work it thoroughly into the beef and onions. Allow it to cook for about two minutes, which deepens its flavor and gives the soup a rich, robust color.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Green Beans)

It’s time for the veggies! Add your diced carrot, celery, bell pepper, and potatoes to the pot. Pour in the pureed fire-roasted tomatoes, then the beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and drop in the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Simmer

Turn up the heat and bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a steady simmer over medium heat. Let the soup bubble away for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 6: Add Green Beans and Simmer More

Stir in the green beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The beans will turn bright green and stay slightly crisp, adding fresh bursts of flavor and color to every bowl of Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if you’d like. Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the soup into bowls, ready to warm you up instantly!

How to Serve Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

The perfect bowl of Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup begs for just a touch of finesse. Add chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkling of shredded parmesan, or even a swirl of tangy sour cream for an extra flourish of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich makes it extra comforting. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup in bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel, or portion it out into individual ramekins for an elegant starter at a dinner party. You could even pack it up in thermoses for a cozy picnic or lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool before transferring to airtight containers; the flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making the next day’s bowl even tastier.

Freezing

This is one of those magical soups that freeze like a dream! Portion cooled Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your leftover soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s steaming hot. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. You can also microwave single servings for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, since leaner meats may need a pinch more salt for full flavor impact.

What other vegetables can I add?

This Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup is endlessly customizable. Try adding corn, peas, zucchini, or even spinach in the last few minutes of simmering for extra variety and color.

Do I have to use fire-roasted tomatoes?

Nope! While fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth, you can use any canned crushed or diced tomatoes. If you’re using diced, give them a quick blitz in a blender for a smoother base.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! As written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your beef broth package to be sure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Sure thing! Brown your beef, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the green beans in the last 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup a try—it’s nourishing, customizable, and pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet dinner solo, this soup delivers all the warmth and heartiness you crave. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful!

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Packed with ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Brown ground beef. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Saute until browned, breaking into pieces, about 6-7 minutes.
Saute alliums. Add onion to the beef and saute until soft, about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add tomato paste. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients except green beans. Add carrots, celery, bell pepper, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and add bay leaf.
Simmer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Add green beans and simmer. Stir in green beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Season and serve. Adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American