If you’re hunting for a heartwarming bowl of comfort, Hamburger Soup is the dish you’ll crave more often than you might expect! This old-school classic combines tender ground beef, vibrant veggies, and just the right hints of savory herbs, all bubbling together in a rich tomato broth. It’s got that irresistible homemade vibe that brings families to the table, and I promise – this Hamburger Soup will have everyone asking for second helpings before their first bowl is empty!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hamburger Soup genuinely shines thanks to its simple lineup of pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, whether that’s a punch of flavor, a hearty texture, or a pop of color that makes every spoonful satisfying and beautiful.

Ground Beef (2 lbs): The base of the soup, giving it rich, savory heft and plenty of protein.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—season as you go for perfect balance.
Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little black pepper adds gentle heat and depth.
Oregano (1/4 teaspoon): This dried herb brings earthiness, reminiscent of classic Italian soups.
Basil (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of basil lifts and sweetens the overall flavor profile.
Seasoning Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a savory boost and extra complexity—don’t skip it!
Onion Soup Mix (1 package, 2 oz): The secret to a rich, umami-packed broth with no fuss.
Boiling Water (6 cups): Forms the flavorful, steamy base for your soup.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Gives color, tang, and ties all the savory flavors together.
Carrots (4, cut up): They add color, gentle sweetness, and a pleasant tender bite.
Corn (1/2 cup): A pop of golden color and juicy sweetness in every spoonful.
Celery (1 cup, sliced): Delivers subtle herbal notes and satisfying crunch.
Elbow Macaroni (1 cup): The pasta brings heartiness, making the soup a true meal-in-a-bowl.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab your largest saucepan and get it nice and hot. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat, which keeps the soup deliciously hearty but not greasy.

Step 2: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and seasoning salt right onto the browned meat, stirring so everything gets a chance to mingle. Now add the onion soup mix, which will create a flavor base that’s both savory and comforting. Give it all a good stir so the seasonings coat every morsel.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Carefully pour in your boiling water and the whole can of tomato sauce. Stir everything together—you’ll start to see the beginnings of that vibrant, appetizing broth. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let those flavors start to blend for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

While the soup simmers, slice your celery and carrots. Once the timer dings, add them to the simmering mixture along with the corn. These veggies not only make Hamburger Soup wonderfully colorful, but their flavors meld beautifully as they cook. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes so they soften up just right.

Step 5: Stir in the Macaroni

When the vegetables have just started to soften but still have a touch of bite, pour in the elbow macaroni. Keep the soup gently bubbling for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. If the soup gets a bit thick, splash in more water as needed—you want it hearty but definitely soupy enough for a big spoon!

How to Serve Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a handful of sliced green onions gives each bowl of Hamburger Soup a fresh, colorful pop. For a cheesy touch, a small pile of grated cheddar on top melts beautifully into the hot broth. Even a simple crack of black pepper can tie the flavors together and look inviting.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a buttery slice of crusty bread or a warm roll—perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a dreamy counterpart to every steamy spoonful. For something ultra cozy, serve alongside homemade biscuits or cornbread to soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve your Hamburger Soup in rustic mugs for a playful, campfire feel. For a party, set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, and croutons so everyone can customize their bowls. And for family night, ladle the soup over a small scoop of mashed potatoes to take the comfort factor up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Hamburger Soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors only deepen after a night in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even better. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream! Simply pour completely cooled Hamburger Soup into a rigid, freezer-safe container, making sure to leave a little space for expansion. Tightly sealed, it’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, ready to rescue any busy weeknight.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir well as it comes up to temperature, and add an extra splash of water or broth if you’d like to loosen the consistency. Just bring to a simmer and it’ll taste as fresh as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a tasty, lean alternative in Hamburger Soup. You’ll still get all that cozy flavor, but with a lighter touch. Just make sure to season well, as turkey can be milder than beef.

How can I make the soup gluten-free?

It’s easy to make Hamburger Soup gluten-free by swapping the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-checking that your onion soup mix is certified gluten-free. The soup is just as hearty and satisfying!

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to make Hamburger Soup your own by adding green beans, peas, diced potatoes, or even zucchini. You can swap out any veggies you love or use up what’s in your fridge. It’s a flexible dish—just try to keep the vegetable-to-liquid ratio similar so the soup doesn’t get too thick.

Will the soup thicken as it cools?

Yes, thanks to the macaroni and veggies soaking up the broth, Hamburger Soup does thicken as it sits. When reheating, just add a bit of water or broth and stir well to bring it back to your preferred consistency.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You bet! Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients except the macaroni in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the pasta an hour before serving so it ends up perfectly tender rather than mushy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Hamburger Soup a spot on your regular meal rotation—it’s fast, forgiving, and soul-soothing every time. Pour yourself a steaming bowl and taste why this classic keeps finding its way back to family tables; it might just become your new favorite too!