Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a heartwarming, classic bowl that’s full of comforting flavors and simple ingredients. It’s packed with tender ground beef, chunky vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, all simmered in a rich broth that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day.
I always love making this soup when I want something easy but satisfying. What makes it stand out for me is how quickly it comes together and how well the flavors meld while cooking. Plus, it’s the kind of soup that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, making everyone excited to sit down and eat.
My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or when friends stop by unexpectedly because it’s both simple and so comforting. Whenever I make Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup, I feel like I’m sharing a little taste of home and tradition with everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the soup, giving it rich flavor and texture. If you want something leaner, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based crumbles.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas add nice color and mouthfeel. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste or add corn instead of peas. Fresh veggies work great, but frozen are fine for convenience.
Beef Broth & Tomatoes: The broth builds deep flavor, while canned diced tomatoes add acidity and brightness. Low-sodium broth lets you control salt. If you prefer, use fresh tomatoes chopped finely, but canned is easiest.
Herbs & Seasonings: Dried parsley, basil, and thyme add classic soup notes. Fresh herbs are lovely if you have them on hand. Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami touch – just a splash makes a difference.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Browning Ground Beef?
Browning the beef well is key to building a savory base for this soup. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef in a single layer and let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes.
- Break it up with a spoon, then continue cooking until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup, but keep a little for flavor.
This careful browning creates browned bits that add richness to your broth and prevent the soup from tasting flat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning beef and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife – for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to prep your onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the broth, spices, and Worcestershire sauce just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter soup.
- Add a handful of cooked rice or small pasta shapes near the end for extra body and texture.
- Include chopped green beans or corn for added color and sweetness.
- Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar on top just before serving for a creamy touch.
How to Make Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Herbs & Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
- Optional: fresh rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare to spend about 15 minutes prepping the vegetables and ingredients, around 10 minutes browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, followed by 30 to 40 minutes of simmering the soup until all the vegetables are tender. So, total time is roughly 55 minutes to 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine everything well.
4. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes:
Add the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Season and Simmer:
Add the parsley, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the Peas and Final Touches:
About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Cook until they are heated through. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh rosemary if you like. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping to make a cozy and satisfying meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef in This Soup?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the soup.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can make the soup a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, and add the peas fresh each time to keep them vibrant.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute Vegetables in This Soup?
Yes! Feel free to swap out or add veggies like green beans, corn, or bell peppers depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times if adding denser vegetables.
