Hamburger Soup Easy Dinner
Hamburger Soup 🍲 Easy Dinner is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 311 calories per serving. Recipe by Fed by Sab on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $11.29 total, $1.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, broken up)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (regular, no added sugar)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled and cubed 1‑inch pieces)
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (defrosted briefly in microwave or added frozen)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and cube the potatoes into 1‑inch pieces. Measure out all remaining ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Drain Excess Fat
Place a colander over a bowl and carefully pour the cooked beef into it to drain the rendered fat. Return the drained beef to the pot.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Time: PT2M
Add Liquids, Potatoes, and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then add the cubed potatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork‑tender.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low simmer
Add Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 311
- Protein
- 14 g
- Carbohydrates
- 16 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (1 can)
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried thyme (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano and basil (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Fresh mixed vegetables (1 cup)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Draining the excess fat from the browned ground beef prevents a greasy soup.
- Simmering the potatoes until fork‑tender ensures they are fully cooked without falling apart.
- Adding frozen mixed vegetables at the end preserves their color and texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and leanness; for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp) adds depth without overwhelming the soup.
- Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are still hard after simmering.
Continue simmering for 5‑10 more minutes, covering the pot to retain heat.
Soup is too watery.
Uncover the pot and simmer an additional 5‑10 minutes to reduce, or mash a few potato pieces to thicken.
Vegetables become mushy.
Add the frozen vegetables later, just 3‑5 minutes before the end of cooking.
Soup is too salty.
Add a splash of water or unsalted broth and taste again.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently on the stove.
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; reheat in a saucepan over medium heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hamburger soup in American cuisine?
Hamburger soup is a classic American comfort dish that grew out of mid‑20th‑century home cooking, when families sought quick, one‑pot meals using inexpensive ground beef and pantry staples. It reflects the resourceful, budget‑friendly cooking style of post‑war America.
What regional variations of hamburger soup exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, cooks often add barley or pasta; in the South, a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning is common. Some New England versions swap potatoes for sweet potatoes and use clam broth for a coastal twist.
How is hamburger soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil is a common finishing touch.
During what occasions is hamburger soup traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
Hamburger soup is popular for casual family dinners, potlucks, and as a comforting meal on cold evenings. It is also a go‑to recipe for game‑day gatherings because it can be made in large batches.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic American hamburger soup?
The core ingredients are ground beef, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and a mix of herbs such as Italian seasoning or bay leaf. Frozen mixed vegetables are a modern convenience but fresh carrots, peas, and corn are traditional alternatives.
What other American dishes pair well with hamburger soup?
Serve it alongside a simple green salad, cornbread, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a heartier meal, pair with a side of cheesy macaroni or baked beans.
What makes hamburger soup special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of ground beef’s rich flavor with the wholesome texture of potatoes and vegetables, all in a tomato‑based broth. It delivers protein, carbs, and veg in one bowl, embodying the all‑in‑one comfort food ethos.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hamburger soup?
Common errors include not draining the excess fat, which makes the soup greasy; overcooking the frozen vegetables, which turns them mushy; and under‑cooking the potatoes, leaving them hard. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this hamburger soup recipe add the frozen mixed vegetables at the end instead of at the beginning?
Adding the vegetables at the end preserves their bright color and crisp texture. If added too early, they can become overcooked and lose flavor, especially in a simmering broth.
What does the YouTube channel Fed by Sab specialize in?
The YouTube channel Fed by Sab focuses on simple, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pot meals, quick weeknight dishes, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Fed by Sab's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Fed by Sab emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step narration, and cost‑effective ingredient choices, making classic American comfort dishes accessible without fancy gadgets or hard‑to‑find items.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
