If you’re craving a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal, look no further than this Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe. It’s a soul-warming bowl packed with tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant veggies simmered in a savory broth that feels like a warm hug on chilly days.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your weeknight dinner rotation:
- Super comforting: It’s like homemade coziness in a bowl that warms you from the inside out.
- Loaded with veggies: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes make it colorful and nourishing.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy items here—just basics you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Easy to customize: Swap veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your mood or pantry!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most delicious results. Each ingredient in this Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe plays a special role— from the savory ground beef that adds richness, to the Yukon gold potatoes which melt into tender comfort, to the medley of fresh vegetables that brighten every spoonful.
- Olive oil: Use this to sauté veggies and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Onions, carrots, celery: The classic mirepoix trio that creates a flavorful vegetable base.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth—freshly minced tastes best!
- Tomato paste: Brings a touch of umami and rich color to the broth.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses hints of herbs like oregano and basil, boosting flavor complexity.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 90% lean or higher for balanced flavor without excess grease.
- Diced tomatoes: Use canned for convenience; they add acidity and texture.
- Beef broth: The heart of the soup—homemade or store-bought both work fine.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and tender, they hold shape perfectly after simmering.
- Bay leaves: These subtle aromatic leaves elevate the savory notes.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of green, fresh flavor, and visual brightness as garnish.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming up olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and release their natural sweetness—this base is where the heart of your flavor begins!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute to awaken the aroma. Then, blend in tomato paste with your Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper—this amps up that rich, savory foundation perfectly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it thoroughly until there’s no pink left. This step seals in juicy flavors and ensures your soup feels satisfyingly meaty without any raw bites.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Now comes the fun part—pour in diced tomatoes, rich beef broth, tender chunks of Yukon gold potatoes, and drop in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine those beautiful layers of flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, until those potatoes turn tender and the flavors meld into a harmonious symphony. Adjust seasoning along the way, and don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings fresh color and a bright herbal note that balances the rich soup beautifully. For a little extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese can add a luscious creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—you’ll want something perfect to soak up every last flavorful drop. A crisp green salad on the side can bring a refreshing crunch, balancing the heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color. Ladling it over toasted baguette slices inside deep soup bowls creates a fun, interactive way to enjoy every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe into airtight containers and pop them into the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days—perfect for lunches or quick dinners!
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream. Store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers with a little extra space to allow for expansion. Frozen, it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready whenever you need a comforting meal in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to preserve the flavors and potato texture. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in storage.
FAQs
-
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
-
What can I substitute for Yukon gold potatoes?
Russet potatoes or red potatoes work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind that russets might break down a bit more, turning the soup slightly denser, while red potatoes hold their shape nicely.
-
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Swap the ground beef with hearty plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This still packs plenty of flavor and richness without the meat.
-
How do I prevent the soup from getting watery?
Be mindful when adding broth and try not to overcook it. If it gets too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken gently.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe enough when you want a truly satisfying, wholesome meal that’s quick to make yet feels like a home-cooked hug. Whip it up, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every cozy spoonful you deserve!
Print
Hearty Hamburger Soup with Potatoes and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hamburger Soup is a comforting blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender potatoes simmered in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this soup combines simple ingredients with Italian seasoning and tomato paste for a rich, warming dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup white onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Meat
- ½ lb lean ground beef
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 dried bay leaves
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Incorporate Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Cook thoroughly, stirring and breaking up the meat until no pink remains.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, chopped potatoes, and add the bay leaves. Stir all the ingredients together to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy your hearty hamburger soup!
Notes
- Dice the vegetables into small, even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Salt lightly at the beginning and adjust after the flavors have had time to build.
- Use a salad spinner to wash and dry the chopped vegetables for better texture.
- Brown the ground beef well to enhance flavor and remove excess grease if desired.
- To store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat: Warm the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- To freeze: Use a freezer-safe container or bag with space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
