Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that brings classic flavors to your dinner table in under an hour. With ground beef, tender vegetables, and a savory broth base, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a satisfying, one-pot meal that feeds a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the definition of simple, wholesome comfort food. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The combination of ground beef, diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth makes for a balanced, nourishing dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize — add what you love or use what you have. Great for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups beef broth (low or no sodium, if preferred)

• 28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

• 15-ounce can tomato sauce

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning (or salt)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 pound frozen mixed vegetables

Directions

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened, about 8–10 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks.

2. Drain any excess grease from the pot.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, Creole seasoning, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

5. Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.

7. Return to a simmer and cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and vegetables are heated through.

8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with diced zucchini or cauliflower.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or increase the Creole seasoning.

• Add Grains: Stir in cooked rice, barley, or small pasta during the last few minutes of simmering.

• Different Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for the beef.

• Extra Greens: Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual portions until hot.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Do I have to use frozen vegetables?

No, you can use fresh vegetables if you prefer. Just add them with the potatoes to ensure they cook through.

Can I substitute tomato sauce?

If you don’t have tomato sauce, use crushed tomatoes or even marinara in a pinch, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid, or mash some of the potatoes directly in the soup.

Can I use canned vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, but add them at the end and heat just until warm since they’re already cooked.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Russet potatoes work well, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes are also good choices and hold their shape nicely.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores and reheats very well, making it great for leftovers or prepping lunches ahead of time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough pot and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What should I serve with hamburger vegetable soup?

It’s great with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad on the side.

Conclusion

Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a flavorful, nourishing, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners. With minimal prep, one pot, and tons of flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking for comfort food that’s both simple and filling. Make a batch, enjoy the leftovers, and keep it on repeat all season long.