Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup Recipe

Old fashioned hamburger soup is one of those comforting homemade meals that brings warmth to the table with simple ingredients and rich flavor. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, beans, and savory broth, this hearty soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Every spoonful is loaded with tender vegetables, flavorful beef, and a rich tomato-based broth that tastes even better as it simmers. Serve it with warm bread or crackers for a cozy meal that everyone will love.

1. Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup Recipe ( Yield: 12 Servings )

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 large or 2 medium onions, diced
• 5 stalks celery, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 green bell peppers, coarsely chopped
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
• 6 cups tomato juice or vegetable juice (or one 46-ounce bottle)
• 12 cups beef stock
• ¼ cup ketchup (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 or 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
• 2 cups frozen or fresh green peas
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Start by heating a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This may take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

Add the diced onions and celery directly to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, allowing them to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chopped green bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together so the vegetables become coated with the flavorful seasonings and beef mixture.

Pour in the tomato juice and beef stock. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Add the ketchup if using, along with the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and brown sugar. The brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomato juice and creates a richer flavor.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and the flavors blend together beautifully.

Once the carrots and potatoes are soft, stir in the corn, green peas, and kidney beans. Continue simmering the soup for another 10 to 15 minutes until the frozen vegetables are heated through and everything is tender.

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Ladle the hot hamburger soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or crackers. The soup becomes even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Hamburger Soup

Use lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter soup with less grease. If using regular ground beef, draining the fat well after browning is important.

Cut the vegetables into similar bite-size pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat in every spoonful.

Let the soup simmer slowly rather than boiling rapidly. Gentle simmering helps develop deeper flavor without making the vegetables mushy.

Tomato juice gives the soup a classic old fashioned flavor, while vegetable juice adds extra richness and sweetness from additional vegetables.

Do not skip the brown sugar. A small amount balances the acidity from the tomatoes and rounds out the overall flavor of the broth.

If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for the final 15 to 20 minutes so some liquid can reduce naturally.

Fresh herbs can be added near the end of cooking for extra flavor. Chopped parsley or thyme work especially well in hamburger soup.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator overnight for even better flavor the next day because the ingredients continue blending together as the soup rests.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze old fashioned hamburger soup?

Yes, hamburger soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It can usually be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make hamburger soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients except the peas and corn to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, then stir in the peas and corn during the final 30 minutes.

What can I use instead of kidney beans?

You can replace kidney beans with pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans, or even leave the beans out entirely if preferred.

How long does hamburger soup last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, hamburger soup will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

What side dishes go well with hamburger soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with cornbread, garlic bread, dinner rolls, crackers, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

4. Nutrition Information

Old fashioned hamburger soup is a hearty and comforting recipe filled with ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, and rich savory broth. The combination of simple ingredients creates a filling meal that tastes homemade, cozy, and satisfying with every bite.

This classic soup is easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and ideal for leftovers throughout the week. Once you make this traditional hamburger soup recipe, it is sure to become a favorite family meal for busy nights and cold weather dinners.

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