This hamburger soup recipe is a simple and hearty meal made with ground beef, potatoes, and a delicious tomato broth. It's a budget friendly complete meal that makes excellent leftovers!
You may also like my Instant Pot Hamburger Soup recipe.
Why you'll love it
Hamburger soup is one of those classic American comfort food dishes that's easy to like and friendly on your wallet! You can't go wrong with this cozy soup that has ground beef, potatoes, and a tomato broth that's big on flavor.
The best part of this soup is how easy to make it is. It's also full of inexpensive ingredients, and it's an extremely versatile and flexible recipe. You can simply toss in whatever veggies you have on hand that need using up, and it'll taste great.
What is hamburger soup?
- As for the name, it's called hamburger soup because of the ground beef, which is sometimes referred to as hamburger meat. This soup doesn't actually taste like hamburgers, and it's essentially a satisfying and simple ground beef soup. It's sort of like a quick and easy alternative to Beef Stew.
What you'll need
- Olive oil, onions, and celery - sautéing these essentials creates the perfect base for this hearty soup
- Garlic - we're using three cloves to add depth of flavor
- Ground beef - adding protein makes this soup a complete meal. I like to use 95% extra lean ground beef so that none of the fat needs to be discarded during cooking
- Tomato paste and diced tomatoes - using both varieties gives the soup great texture and taste, and tomatoes are a classic complement to ground beef
- Beef broth - amps up the flavor even more than using water. Use homemade or store-bought
- Potatoes - Russets are my choice, but in a pinch yellow or red will be fine
- Italian seasoning - the herbs in Italian seasoning like oregano, thyme, and rosemary are the final touch in this tasty broth. Feel free to use fresh herbs instead
- Salt & pepper - if you use regular broth vs low sodium, you won't need to add much salt, but be sure to use enough
Did you know?
- A 32 oz carton of beef broth equals 4 cups. Just pour the entire thing in for this recipe!
How to make hamburger soup
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
In a large soup pot, sauté the onions and celery in olive oil until softened. Add in the garlic, and brown the ground beef.
Add in the tomato paste followed by the diced tomatoes, broth, potatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then let bubble gently for 20 to 25 minutes.
Substitutions and variations
- If you don't like having pieces of tomato in your soup, use petite diced tomatoes or sub the diced tomatoes for tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, and then add more broth or water to thin if needed.
- You can throw in any vegetables from your fridge, or you can use frozen chopped mixed vegetables (for example, corn, green beans, carrots, or peas). A handful of spinach added when the soup is nearly done cooking would be terrific!
Helpful tips
- I used Russet potatoes, but feel free to sub with a different kind. I really like using Russets in soups because they fall apart easily since they're a starchy variety.
- I use extra lean (95% lean) ground beef, so I don't find it necessary to discard any of the fat. This saves a bit of work, and the little bit of fat that's left over gives the soup a flavor boost! You can drain the fat if you want. I certainly recommend draining some out if you use regular ground beef, or the soup will end up oily.
- Depending on what kind of tomatoes you use, your soup could be less vibrant than the photos. That's totally ok!
Leftovers and storage
- This hamburger soup makes fantastic leftovers, and they'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- For best results, heat up in a saucepan slowly over a low heat.
- It also freezes well. Consume within 3 months of freezing for best results.
More soups with ground beef to try
Do you like hamburger soup? Will you give this recipe a try? Let me know in the comments below! You can also tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Easy Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 sticks celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound extra lean (95% lean) ground beef
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large Russet potatoes peeled & diced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, onion, and celery to a large soup pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, followed by the beef. Cook until the beef has browned, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes). You shouldn't need to drain much fat if you're using extra lean ground beef, but feel free to drain some/most of it if desired (I didn't drain any).
- Stir in the tomato paste, then add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, potatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat a bit so it's gently boiling. Cook for 20-25 minutes. You can cook it a little bit longer to intensify the flavor if you wish.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serves 4-6.
- Anything from about 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef will work.
- Got an electric pressure cooker? Try the Instant Pot version of this recipe.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on January 30, 2019. It's been tweaked to be even easier, tastier, and has new photos!
Amber says
This soup has become a family favorite and we make it often. I've added carrots and red pepper flakes per person preference. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Amber. I'm so glad you guys love it.
alison says
turned out very well!! had no beef broth so I used veg broth (homemade). I had extra onion, celery, and beef, so I increased whatever other portions I could to keep it balanced. I used homemade stewed tomatoes in place of the diced because that's what I had on hand. thank you for a hearty soup!! I'm not a fan of tomato-ey soups, and yet this one was really good.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! You're very welcome!
Dianna says
To make this soup vegan/vegetarian, I’m going to use Better than Beef in place of ground beef and vegetable broth. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Natasha says
Sure!
alison says
you rated it without even trying it yet? not very fair to the person who uploaded this recipe. because every rating weighs on the average rating for the recipe. just letting you know in case you have not considered this. I'm in the middle of cooking it for the first time right now and so far it smells good. i had to sub veg broth myself. I'll try to remember to rate and comment again when it's done cooking.
Natasha says
Hope you enjoy it!
Susan Roberts says
I followed this soup recipe to the absolute letter. I am an experienced cook (married 42 years)...and love to make all kinds of soups. This recipe, in my opinion, has the wrong measurement of canned Tomatoes! This soup is far too acid-y. Too sour. I use only fine ingredients,..no dollar store tomatoes..and always fresh vegetables...I measured exactly as per recipe. Our family loves soup, and loves tomato recipes. It was not a hit. May I politely suggest your test kitchen takes a look at cutting the canned tomato amount In half! Thank you
Natasha says
Hi Susan! This recipe has a lot of 5 star reviews, but sorry it wasn't quite to your liking. Some people prefer less tomatoes, and some prefer more. You're probably aware of the old trick of adding a pinch of sugar to tomato sauces/soups/etc if it tastes a bit acidic to take the edge off.
Karen says
I have made this soup many times throughout my life, one thing that is different, in the north we used pasta elbows, instead of potatoes. But I never liked how the pasta got mushy..so I would keep the pasta and soup separate until I was ready to have a meal then I would warm them up together in a soup pot. I would make enough to cover my lunches for a few days. Best lunch ever.
Natasha says
That's interesting!! I've never tried this particular recipe with pasta. I like the idea, though.. and keeping the pasta and soup separate is a great tip.
Pep Romero says
Thank you for this simple yet delicious soup! I added extra veggies including cilantro....this will be a staple in my house. Thanks again!
Natasha says
You're very welcome! Happy to hear that.
Barbara Ryan says
This is a tasty soup and a full meal when salad and rolls/bread are added. I will make it again.
Natasha says
Fantastic! Thank you, Barbara.
Jay says
Do I add cooked or uncooked potatoes to the pot? It seems like I should peel and quarter up some russets and toss them in to cook with everything else. I just want to be sure before I do it as I have never made a soup before.
Thank you
Natasha says
Hi Jay! Uncooked potatoes. If you look in the ingredients list, it'll tell you how to prep each ingredient. So, in the case of the potatoes, you'd dice them up (cut them as big/small as you wish). You can peel the potatoes if you want... up to you. For all my recipes the ingredients are as-is/raw unless otherwise specified so you never have to guess.
Wawoo says
Making this right now and adding mushrooms 🙂
Natasha says
Enjoy!!
Louise says
I am making this tonight!! My friend did a similar version but I am trying this!! I am adding a few slices of sausage to spice it up a little!!
I like the idea of tomato paste to thicken it.
Making a double batch to share with my neighbors. We are elders that love to cook!!
Thanks for sharing your recipes!!
Louise
Natasha says
Hope you enjoy it, Louise!! 🙂 That's so nice of you to share with your neighbors.
Lily says
love this recipe, very versatile. I used beef bone broth, 90% lean grassfed ground beef and mini potatoes and a small red potato I had on hand. full of flavor. thank God you shared this recipe, i'm adding to my rotation of soup recipes.
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you, Lily!
Marianne says
Ok, I haven't made it yet, but I am going to today. I was looking for something simple, yet warmingly comfortable to take some friends who have three sick children, all under the age of 6. This sounds excellent and I have all ingredients on hand. PLUS! So customizable too! Thanks!
Natasha says
You're welcome! I hope it cheers them up! 🙂
Scottro says
This is one of the best recipes I've used and I'm a damn good cook Scottro. Fountain Colorado
Natasha says
Haha awesome!
Joanne says
Supper good. Wondering if we can portion and freeze.added corn
Natasha says
Absolutely. Glad you liked it!
Stephanie Rock says
What a fun and easy soup. I followed the recipe exactly but used petite diced tomatoes . The ingredients aligned perfectly with what I had leftover from Thanksgiving and sitting in pantry and fridge. I will definitely make this again and next time would throw in anything else sitting around—corn, spinach, etc. Great recipe!
Natasha says
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it's definitely easy to tweak based on what you've got in the fridge.
Mirtha says
My mouth is watering....Will let you know how it turns out. 🙂
Natasha says
Hope you like it!
Robert Peterson says
Excellent soup and after eating my fill I turned it into a refrigerator soup by adding all the leftovers from other meals. What a great way to make an fantastic new soup.
Natasha says
That's a great idea!!
Colleen says
Could you make this with ground turkey?
Natasha says
For sure. It'll be a bit less flavorful and the turkey will end up dryer than beef would (lower fat content), but I think it should still be good.
Emily says
I made this last night - only changes were extra onion and celery, used carrots instead of potatoes, and added two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. I ladled it over rice and it was super good!!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! 🙂 I love adding Worcestershire sauce to recipes too.
Elainea Perez says
Making this tonight! Sound delicious!
Natasha says
Enjoy!
Audrey says
The first time I made this soup last winter, I ruined it when my [full] salt shaker broke right over the pot... "Salt soup" was still tasty, but I'm looking forward to trying again! I came back to find the recipe today and laughed when I was reminded that your blog is SALT & Lavender. 🙂
Natasha says
Oh geez hahahaha... it's funny now at least, right?! 😀 Yup, love me some salt... but not a full shaker at once.
Kathy says
I used a large can of V8 juice for my liquids. Great
Barbara Everhart says
If you drop to much salt or pepper in your soup peel a potatoes an drop it in the soup when soup is done remove the whole potatoes it will have absorbed the extra salt or pepper
Natasha says
Good advice!
IRENE SNUGGS says
Very delicious basic hamburger soup. I did add carrots and processed my tomatoes. Can't eat chopped tomatoes.
Natasha says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
dee boden says
my hsb does not like the bits of tomatoes in dishes so I blend them up. I'm beginning to like them blended also.
Michelle says
Did you forget to put carrots in recipe?
Natasha says
I didn't forget, no. I just chose not to include them back when I developed this version and the Instant Pot version. You're welcome to include them if you want. 🙂
Pat says
I made this hamburger soup today,however, since I didn’t want to go shopping I used what I had on hand. Tomato sauce. Canned tomatoes with basil and garlic . Chicken broth carrots, potatoes , celery and parsley and the ground meat. Delicious!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!
Shauna Guymon says
I used a small can of tomato sauce in place of the diced tomatoes. Added grated carrots.And seasoned it with Worcestershire sauce & rosemary instead of Italian seasonings. It seems like the Italian blend is the go to for people who don't know which herbs & spices to use.
Natasha says
I'm glad you liked it!
Mary says
😋 YUMMY!! Brought back memories from my Mom’s cooking . She called this recipe “Picadillo“
Natasha says
Awesome!! Yes, I've definitely heard that. I hadn't heard of picadillo until readers told me they grew up with it as well! 🙂
lin says
Easy and yummy. I'll make this again!
Natasha says
Excellent!
Lana Keehn says
I am a senior citizen and I grew up with this soup my kids and my grandkids all love this soup and it’s really a rarity when everyone like something it brings back loving memories of my mom and grandmother a favorite for ever
Natasha says
Aww that's great! Thanks, Lana!
joyce says
thank you
Natasha says
You're welcome 🙂
COLIN KENNEDY says
I used Better Than Bouillon to make the broth, hot Italian sausage with hamburger, cabbage instead of celery, one whole fresh tomato diced, and a dash of Franks hot wing sauce, Mrs. Dash. and butter. Otherwise I stuck to the base recipe. And I can tell you this was the bomb
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Darryl Johnson says
Only thing I added was 1lg carrot sliced and sauteed with onions and garlic plus 1 can sliced mushrooms,too note went with potatoes this soup ROCKS!
Natasha says
So pleased you liked it, Darryl! 🙂
Bill T says
I have a set of books with old recipes it them.Try this one.1 lb hamburger,1 med onion,3 med carrots,1/2 diced celery,,1/4 tsp pepper,1/2 cup green beans.l just use a can or jar.3 med potatoes peeled and cube,3 cups water(l always change this but its a start),3 beef bullion,1 1/2 tsp salt,1/4 oregano(I've found you can put 1/4 cup in and it's just fine.Use to taste.).
Brown burger in 2 qt pan except green beans.Bring to boil.Reduce heat.Cover 15 minutes.Add green beans.Simmer another 15 minutes....I usually check to make sure the potatoes are near done.Don't add the green beans until the last 15 minutes.Adjust this to your tastes.
Bill T says
BTW those green beans are un-drained.
Jess says
This was really good! I added carrots, green beans and corn. Loved the tomato broth! And it was even better leftover!
Natasha says
Awesome!! ♥️🤗
Sharon King says
I make this all the time. I add peas, corn and even green beans but I use plain tomato juice instead of diced tomatoes and I add water instead of beef broth. I usually dice up 5-6 russet potatoes ( we love potatoes) and a lb and a half to 2 lbs ground beef. I add salt and cracked pepper and some Italian spices. You can add just about anything you like to this soup and yum, it’s so delicious. My granddaughter asks me to make this about every time she’s comes over.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like it, Sharon!! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Susan says
I loved this soup!!! It was really fast and easy. Love that. I added mushrooms and baby spinach. Turned out great. I was wondering what the nutritional values are as well as how many calories are in it. It would help if this information could be included on all the other recipes. Thank you.
Natasha says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m slowly going back and adding nutritional info to some of my recipes, but it takes time. Keep in mind with any recipe online it’s just an estimate. Calories will vary greatly depending on the actual ingredients you use and factors like whether your beef is extra lean or not, whether you drain excess fat, and so on. So, if you’re relying on the info for health/medical reasons, it’s best to weigh the actual ingredients you use and calculate it from there.
Tammy (NE KS) says
Wonderful soup! Thanks. My husband loved it. I used red potatoes just because I had them and needed to get them used up.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!!
Joycelyn says
Hello
Soup looks perfect for our cold spell ahead, and will definitely make it but wonder if you've ever added barley to the recipe and if it alters the taste in any way?
Only ask as dear husband loves barley in soups as he feels barley in winter soups makes those soup, a soup. I always laugh at hearing that one but what can I say, he's a man!
Natasha says
Hey! Haven’t tried that but I think it would be good. It may take longer though! Let me know how it goes.
Nancy says
Yes! Souper quick n easy and as many commentators say above, add-ons only make it better. Next time, cannellini beans, some spinich, maybe leftover hot sausage.
Thank you for the inspiration, I'm now doing my shopping with quick meal combos in mind.
Natasha says
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe and that the comments have given you some inspiration! 😀
Renée Martin says
All I have to say is MMMMMMM! A tired teacher thanks you!
Natasha says
You are very welcome!! 😀
Adrianna says
Great recipe! My family loved it. I added a bit of corn and peas for some extra colour and flavour.
Natasha says
Awesome! ♥️
Hannah says
The perfect soup for someone with chronic illnesses! (Or someone tired from long work day) I have several chronic illnesses so I have VERY limited energy so I need quick and simple recipes when I cook once a week and that's exactly what this is and best of all... it is DELICIOUS! You only need to chop 3 ingredients, everything is cooked in one big pot, and the seasoning in the recipe is on point so no need to tweak ANYTHING. Just perfect! I doubled the recipe so my husband and I will be eating this soup for a good week or two and we aren't mad about it.
Natasha says
I am so happy that this worked out for you, Hannah!! 🙂
Laura says
I made this soup over the weekend, exactly as stated and it was fantastic. I used your instruction for the Instant Pot and it was a big hit in my house. Looking forward to making it again, especially now that Winter is coming.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that, Laura!!
Christina says
Hello, making today, looks sooo delish! Of course do t have every ingredient do substituting a few things! Can you please tell me a few alternatives ingredients? Like spinach at the end? Can corn or a Substitute for diced tomatoes? Thanks so much! Will let you know how it goes:)
Natasha says
Hi! Hmm.. I think spinach added in the end would taste good. This soup is pretty versatile, so I think you could add plenty of different veggies and it would still taste good. The tomatoes are the base for the soup, so that concerns me a bit. I always keep diced tomatoes in my pantry since there's so many uses for them. Maybe if you have a can of tomato sauce?
Jennifer says
We add a bag of frozen veggies to it, and sometimes put it over Orzo pasta to make it more filling
Ken Watkins email. kenmarywatkins @gmail.com says
I red every thing that's needed to make the hamburger soup but I didn't hear water mentioned.When you mention cook the vegies what are you using?
Natasha says
Hi! I'm a little confused by your comment. It all cooks right in the same pot. There's no water in the recipe, but there's canned tomatoes (with their juices), and 4 cups of beef broth.
Michael says
Same veggies but try V8 juice instead of tomato paste and water.
Mary Webb says
Thanks for the V8 reminder!
Josephine Siaumau says
Yum! I've added my own veggies and instead of potatoes (didn't have any) used spaghetti noodles. Also added 1 cup of hot water. Thank you so much. God bless everyone 💕
Linda says
I have used tomato juice for extra liquid along with the beef broth..
Julie says
This is a great hearty soup with lots of flavour. I used my Dutch oven and after bringing to a boil placed it in the oven with the lid on for a good hour. I served with fresh chopped basil. Yummm!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it! Can't beat fresh basil 🙂
Margarette Kramer says
will this work in a slow cooker?
Natasha says
I don’t see why not. You could brown the sausage first or just leave it to cook in the crockpot.
Baxter's mom says
I always cook my hamburger soup in a crock pot. Spray the crock pot with non stick cooking spray. Brown the ground beef first then add to crock pot. Throw the rest of the ingredients in the crock pot and cook.
Natasha says
Good idea! Thanks for the tip!
Dorothy says
Like the soup easy to make
Natasha says
Great! Thanks, Dorothy.
Donna Rambis says
I want to learn how to make the hamburger soup..
Natasha says
Hi Donna! The recipe and steps are just above the comments. Can you not see it?
Linda says
Easy, delicious and pretty in the bowl!!
I will definitely make this again!! Thanks!
Natasha says
Yay! so happy you liked it, Linda!
Anabelle says
Easy to make and just as easy to eat. Thank you ....our 5 kids loved it!
Natasha says
So happy to hear it!!
Judy says
Had this growing up. Now when I make it I put carrots,squash,cabbage, corn and anything else I can find in the fridge. 😀
Natasha says
Haha good plan! It's definitely a good way to stop produce from going to waste. 🙂
Sandy S says
I just bought ground beef yesterday! Perfect timing! Thank you for taking care of my dinner decision!
Natasha says
You are very welcome! Hope you enjoy the soup. 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia says
This soup looks wonderful! So hearty and satisfying! I've never had Hamburger Soup before, but I'll definitely have to remedy that!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Kelly!
Sabrina says
Hi! Would this freeze well? 🙂
Natasha says
Yes. The potatoes may disintegrate a bit, but other than that it would be fine. ☺️
Joyce Blevins says
when you say Italian seasoning what do you mean,does it come in a jar,a packet what,thanks
Natasha says
Hi Joyce! It's a standard mixture of herbs that most grocery stores will sell in the herbs/spices section. I typically buy the McCormick brand jars. Many brands will carry it, though.