The short answer: this hamburger soup browns ground beef, then simmers it with potatoes, tomatoes and vegetables in about 40 minutes. Cook ground beef to 160°F.
- Key numbers: 1 lb ground beef · 3 potatoes · 4 cups broth · 160°F · feeds 6
- Top moves: brown well, drain if oily, simmer potatoes tender, season at end
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your version in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Prep time: 25 minCook time: 25 minTotal time: 55 minServings: 6 servingsTotal includes 5 min of resting, chilling or rising.
Amounts and methods for this hamburger soup recipe were checked November 6, 2026. The sections below cover ingredients, method, swaps, storage and planning.
Hamburger soup ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound | 85–90% lean |
| Onion | 1, diced | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | |
| Potatoes | 3 medium, diced | Yukon Gold preferred |
| Carrots | 2, sliced | |
| Celery | 2 stalks, sliced | |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5-ounce) can | With juices |
| Beef or chicken broth | 4 cups | |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup | Optional |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Worcestershire | 1 teaspoon | Optional savoriness |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon | If beef is very lean |
How to make hamburger soup
- Brown the beef. In a large pot over medium-high, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Add garlic 30 seconds. Drain excess fat if needed. USDA guidance on ground beef and food safety notes ground beef should reach 160°F.
- Build the pot. Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish. Stir in frozen vegetables for the last 8 to 10 minutes. Taste salt and pepper. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Wash boards and utensils that touched raw ground beef before you ladle bowls.
Money-saving tip: one pound of ground beef plus potatoes feeds a crowd; use frozen vegetables when fresh prices spike.
Swaps and add-ins
- Swap half the beef for lentils or beans to stretch the pot
- Add elbow pasta in the last 10 minutes (with extra broth)
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor
- Top with shredded cheddar for a cheeseburger vibe
See also chili recipe, beef stew, soup recipes and ground beef recipes.
Storing, reheating and freezing
Cool within 2 hours. USDA says cooked leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat until steaming hot. Freeze in portions up to 2 to 3 months; thaw in the fridge. Cold food storage charts help with fridge timing.
Plan the shopping and save the recipe
Write the meal on the week plan so the ingredients are already in the cart.
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. A weekly menu, aisle-sorted grocery list and pantry inventory.
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Keep your spice mix and timing notes with your other family recipes.
Browse more kitchen printables in the printables shop. Pair this with easy dinner ideas or meal planning on a budget.
Want free starter pages before you buy a binder? Get the free recipe book pages (we email it to you). If you want a skillet pasta dinner instead of soup, try homemade hamburger helper with your next package of ground beef.
For another ground-beef soup, try cheeseburger soup, stirring in its cheese without boiling the finished pot.
Frequently asked questions
What is hamburger soup? Hamburger soup is a chunky soup made with browned ground beef, broth, potatoes and mixed vegetables. It is a budget-friendly one-pot dinner that tastes like a deconstructed hamburger in a bowl.
How do you make hamburger soup? Brown ground beef with onion, drain if needed, add broth, potatoes, tomatoes and vegetables, then simmer until the potatoes are tender and the beef has reached 160°F. Season and serve with bread.
What temperature should hamburger soup reach? Cook ground beef to 160°F, the safe minimum internal temperature for ground beef on FoodSafety.gov and USDA FSIS guidance. Browning thoroughly in the pot usually gets you there before the simmer finishes.
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables work well in hamburger soup. Frozen mixed vegetables or peas and carrots work well and save chopping time. Add them in the last 10 minutes so they do not turn mushy.
How do I thicken hamburger soup? Simmer uncovered to reduce, mash a few potato pieces into the broth, or stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste. Avoid a heavy flour slurry unless you want a stew texture.
Can hamburger soup go in a slow cooker? Yes, hamburger soup can go in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onion first, then combine with remaining ingredients in the slow cooker. Follow USDA slow-cooker food-safety guidance and verify ground beef reaches 160°F.
What potatoes work best? Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape. Russets also work but break down more, which can thicken the broth.
Can I make hamburger soup without tomatoes? Yes, you can make hamburger soup without tomatoes. Use extra broth and a splash of Worcestershire for savoriness. The soup will taste more like a beef-vegetable soup than a tomato-beef soup.
How long do leftovers last? USDA guidance says cooked leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat until steaming hot. The soup also freezes well for about 2 to 3 months.
What sides go with hamburger soup? Good sides for hamburger soup are crusty bread, grilled cheese, a simple green salad or saltines. It is filling enough to stand alone with crackers.
How do I plan hamburger soup into a week of dinners? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and an aisle-sorted shopping list, so ground beef, potatoes and broth land on one trip. Double the pot for easy lunches.
Where can I save my family's hamburger soup recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages and dividers, so your vegetable mix and seasoning notes stay with your other family soups. It prints at home on US Letter paper.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Ground beef and food safety fsis.usda.gov