Quick & Easy Homemade Hamburger Soup: Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Are you craving a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal but short on time? Look no further than this quick and easy homemade hamburger soup recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy weekend lunch, or any time you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. Forget canned soup; this homemade version is packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with delicious flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to use what you have on hand and cater to your family’s preferences. Get ready to enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness in under 30 minutes!

## Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

* **Quick and Easy:** As the title suggests, this soup comes together in a flash. Minimal prep work and a simple cooking process make it ideal for busy schedules.
* **Flavorful and Comforting:** The combination of browned ground beef, savory vegetables, and rich broth creates a deeply satisfying and comforting flavor profile.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by swapping vegetables, adding different spices, or using alternative proteins.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Hamburger soup is a great way to stretch your grocery budget, as it utilizes inexpensive ingredients.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win! This recipe is primarily cooked in one pot or Dutch oven.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious hamburger soup. Don’t be afraid to substitute or adjust quantities based on your preferences.

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound (lean or regular ground beef works well)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, peeled and diced
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, diced
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups (or beef stock)
* **Potatoes:** 2 medium, peeled and diced (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well)
* **Frozen Corn:** 1 cup (or canned corn, drained)
* **Frozen Green Beans:** 1 cup (or fresh green beans, trimmed and cut)
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (or any cooking oil)

**Optional Toppings:**

* Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives
* Hot Sauce
* Crackers or Crusty Bread

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Pot or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Spatula or Wooden Spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own quick and delicious homemade hamburger soup:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
* Drain off any excess grease from the pot.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
* Add the diced potatoes, frozen corn, frozen green beans, and Italian seasoning.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**

* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley, or hot sauce.
* Serve with crackers or crusty bread for dipping.

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Hamburger Soup

* **Use High-Quality Ground Beef:** Choosing lean ground beef will reduce the amount of grease you need to drain, but regular ground beef will add more flavor. Aim for a balance that suits your taste.
* **Don’t Skip the Sautéing:** Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavors and create a richer soup base.
* **Deglaze the Pot (Optional):** After browning the ground beef and before adding the vegetables, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or beef broth. This will help to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, adding extra flavor to the soup.
* **Adjust the Broth:** If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
* **Add a Bay Leaf:** For a deeper, more complex flavor, add a bay leaf to the soup while it simmers. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Some other great additions include: zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
* **Use Different Types of Potatoes:** Russet potatoes will make the soup thicker as they break down more during cooking. Yukon Gold or red potatoes will hold their shape better.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Option:** Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of hamburger soup is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

* **Spicy Hamburger Soup:** Add a diced jalapeño pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Cheesy Hamburger Soup:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Velveeta cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Creamy Hamburger Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
* **Taco Hamburger Soup:** Add a packet of taco seasoning and a can of black beans.
* **Chicken Hamburger Soup:** Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
* **Add Pasta:** Add small pasta shapes like macaroni or ditalini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
* **Add Beans:** Add kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.

## Serving Suggestions

Hamburger soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

* **Crackers or Crusty Bread:** Perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing with tomato-based soup.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Cornbread:** A Southern favorite that complements the heartiness of the soup.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make-Ahead:** Hamburger soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

**Storage:** Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Freezing:** Hamburger soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Refer to a nutritional database for more accurate information.*

## Conclusion

This quick and easy homemade hamburger soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable ingredients and simple cooking process, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of homemade goodness!

Enjoy!