Comforting Beef Vegetable Soup

This hamburger soup has become my winter go-to meal whenever my family needs something hearty and satisfying that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground beef and fresh vegetables in a rich broth creates a complete meal in one pot that everyone loves.

I first made this soup during a particularly busy week when I needed something nourishing but didn't have time for anything complicated. My children, who normally pick around vegetables, happily devoured two bowls each and now request it regularly during the colder months.

Ingredients

• Olive oil creates the perfect base for browning the beef and developing flavor
• Ground beef provides hearty protein and rich taste use 80/20 for best flavor
• Onion carrots and celery form the classic mirepoix that builds the foundation
• Garlic adds aromatic depth choose fresh cloves for the best flavor
• Diced tomatoes bring acidity and natural sweetness opt for fire-roasted for extra flavor
• Beef broth forms the soup base use low sodium to control salt levels
• Potatoes add satisfying heartiness choose waxy varieties that hold their shape
• Worcestershire sauce provides umami depth a small amount makes big impact
• Italian seasoning offers herbal notes without needing multiple spice jars
• Beef bouillon intensifies the meaty flavor adjust based on your broth strength
• Frozen peas add bright color and sweet flavor add at the end to maintain their vibrant green
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and some browning occurs on the bottom of the pot. This caramelization is crucial for developing deep flavor.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add onions, carrots and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent and vegetables begin to soften. The vegetables will release moisture that helps deglaze the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

Incorporate Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the pot and stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly become bitter. You'll know it's ready when the aroma fills your kitchen.

Build the Soup Base

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and beef bouillon. Season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 5 minutes. The liquid should just cover the vegetables add more broth if needed.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup is ready when potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Finish and Serve

Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes until peas are heated through but still bright green. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

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My favorite ingredient in this soup is actually the humble carrot. When simmered slowly, carrots release a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. My grandmother always insisted on adding extra carrots to her soup recipes, and now I understand why – they're nature's flavor enhancers.

Make Ahead and Storage

This hamburger soup is perfect for meal planning. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Once cooled, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve with time as they continue to meld together. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much in storage.

Freezer Friendly Option

Hamburger soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for busy families. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. The soup will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat.

Creative Variations

This soup serves as a wonderful template that can be adapted based on seasonal produce or dietary preferences. For a lower carb version, substitute cauliflower florets for the potatoes. To make it more Italian inspired, swap the Italian seasoning for basil and oregano, and add a can of white beans. For a Mexican twist, add corn, bell peppers, and season with cumin and chili powder instead of Italian seasoning. Each variation creates an entirely new soup experience while maintaining the comforting essence of the original.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make this soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth used or add a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You could also mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I substitute for beef bouillon?

You can substitute beef bouillon with an equivalent amount of beef base, additional beef broth, or even vegetable bouillon for a different flavor profile. If using regular broth instead of low-sodium, you may want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe.

→ What side dishes pair well with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad also makes a great accompaniment for a complete meal. For a heartier option, grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except peas and parsley) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.