If you’re craving a comforting, filling meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, you have to try this Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe. It’s everything wonderful about a homemade soup — tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and soft potatoes all mingling in a rich, savory broth. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something nurturing and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug from your favorite cozy sweater, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this soup just right comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create incredible depth and texture. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tenderness of the potatoes, the sweetness from the carrots, or the rich umami from the beef and broth.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle fruitiness.
- Diced yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and a savory base flavor to the soup.
- Chopped celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing texture and classic soup aromatics.
- Diced carrots: Provide a beautiful pop of color and gentle sweetness.
- Grated or minced garlic cloves: Packs a punch of fragrant, savory depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty centerpiece of the soup, offering rich protein and flavor.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the broth’s richness with concentrated tomato intensity.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle heat for those who like a little spice.
- Diced tomatoes with juices (canned): Contributes acidity and vibrant tomato flavor.
- Diced Yukon gold potatoes: Hold their shape beautifully and absorb the soup’s flavors.
- Parmesan cheese rind (optional): Adds a nutty, umami-rich note to the broth as it simmers.
- Low sodium beef broth: The savory foundation that pulls all ingredients together with depth.
- Frozen peas: Quick to cook and bring a sweet, fresh burst of color at the end.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them gently until they’re softened and their natural sweetness begins to emerge, about 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, then stir in the garlic and let it cook for just another minute so its flavor doesn’t fade.
Step 2: Build the Broth and Add Potatoes
Once your veggies and meat are ready, mix in the tomato paste, letting it coat everything and infuse its richness. Add the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes with their juices, the optional parmesan cheese rind for that extra savory twist, and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together well. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to incorporate those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s where some of the best flavors concentrate!
Step 3: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to medium-low to let it simmer. This is where the magic happens: the potatoes absorb the broth’s goodness and soften perfectly. After about 25 minutes, test the potatoes with a fork to ensure they’re tender. This simmer time melds all the flavors so beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Peas and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They only need a few minutes to warm through and add a lovely pop of green and a touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some freshly chopped flat leaf parsley to brighten the soup right on the plate.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top instantly elevates the presentation and adds fresh, vibrant flavor. A swirl of sour cream or a few croutons can also bring a creamy or crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich broth.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as the star of the meal but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a warm, crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette are excellent choices to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in deep bowls alongside little ramekins of toppings—think shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it in mini bread bowls to delight your guests with an edible container that adds extra flavor and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors marry further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave space at the top for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture, then reheat as usual. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape nicely and have a creamy texture, russet or red potatoes work well too. Just adjust cooking time as needed since different varieties soften at different rates.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with hearty legumes like lentils or use a plant-based meat alternative. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth to keep it flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in green beans, corn, or even chopped spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. The soup is very versatile and can adapt to whatever veggies you have on hand.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference. You can omit them entirely for a mild, family-friendly version or increase the quantity if you like some heat.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If you find the broth a little thin, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken it, or stir in a slurry made from flour or cornstarch and water, cooking for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about a warm bowl of soup that feels both hearty and nourishing, and you’ll find that the Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers homey comfort in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and share it around your table, warming hearts and tummies alike.
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Hearty Hamburger Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty Hamburger Soup is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any day. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and a savory beef broth base, this soup combines classic ingredients with Italian seasonings for a satisfying and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 1 parmesan cheese rind (optional)
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and diced carrots. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to crumble the beef evenly. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, stirring frequently.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced or grated garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, mix in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables well to enhance the richness of the soup.
- Add Potatoes, Tomatoes, Broth, and Cheese Rind: Incorporate the diced Yukon gold potatoes, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and parmesan cheese rind (if using) into the mixture. Pour in the low sodium beef broth. Stir the soup thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add depth of flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Final Touches and Serve: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove the parmesan rind before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped flat leaf parsley for added freshness and color. Serve hot.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat and calories in the soup.
- The parmesan cheese rind adds umami richness, but you can omit it if unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure that the beef broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
