Hamburger Soup

Treat your family to a bowl of nostalgic homestyle warmth with this vibrant, veggie-loaded Hamburger Soup. Combining lean savory meat, crispy bacon, tender carrots, celery, and sweet tomatoes in a rich, savory broth, this one-pot meal is economical, deeply satisfying, and ready in under 45 minutes.

For another rich and satisfying ground beef meal, check out our popular Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup

• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Stretches wholesome ground meat and pantry vegetables into a hearty meal that easily feeds a hungry household.
• Loaded with Nutrients: Packs multiple servings of colorful vegetables into every savory bowl.
• Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Comes together on the stovetop in just 45 minutes with simple kitchen staples.

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need

Here are the core ingredients required for this delicious Hamburger Soup:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup leafy greens (optional)

Smart Swaps and Variations

• Ground Meat Choice: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10), ground chicken, or mild Italian pork sausage work equally well.
• Broth Swap: Chicken or vegetable broth can replace beef broth if you prefer a milder soup base.
• Grain Additions: Stir in 1 cup of cooked macaroni pasta, rice, or barley for extra carb heartiness.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Remove, chop, and set aside.

Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the same pot and cook over medium heat until completely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.

Step 5: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the mixed vegetables and the reserved crispy bacon. Simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are heated through.

Step 7: Fold in leafy greens if using, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve piping hot.

Chef’s Success Tips

• Drain excess fat after browning the meat if using higher-fat ground beef to keep the broth clean and light.
• Frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, peas) can be tossed in straight from the freezer without thawing.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

Keep leftover hamburger soup in sealed airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions

Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in covered bowls until steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this hamburger soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the Sauté function to brown bacon and meat, add all ingredients except greens, seal, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release.

Is hamburger soup freezer friendly?

Absolutely. It freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

Can I add potatoes to hamburger soup?

Yes! Diced russet or red potatoes make a fantastic addition; simmer them along with the carrots and celery until fork-tender.

What toppings pair well with hamburger soup?

Grated sharp cheddar cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and crusty garlic bread make wonderful accompaniments.

Final Thoughts

This comforting Hamburger Soup is dependable, wholesome weeknight cooking at its absolute best. It checks every box for a satisfying, budget-friendly family supper.