Some nights, dinner just needs to happen fast, and preferably without using every pan in the kitchen. That’s where this Easy Hamburger Soup comes to the rescue.
I threw this hamburger and vegetable soup together one chilly weeknight when I had zero motivation and a fridge full of “meh.”
Surprise—my family inhaled it and asked for seconds. It’s basically a vegetable beef soup with ground beef, but way easier and way less fussy. If you’ve got hamburger meat and a bag of frozen veggies, you’re halfway there.
This is your go-to when you need something hearty, healthy-ish, and satisfying—but still want to keep your sanity.
Hamburger Vegetable Soup (easy)
EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93% lean
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables corn, peas, carrots, green beans, potatoes, bell peppers
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Beef Better Than Bouillon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic for 5 to 7 minutes, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.1 pound lean ground beef, ½ cup chopped yellow onion, 3 garlic cloves
- Add All the Flavor: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), frozen vegetables, beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, Better Than Bouillon, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.1 can, 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, 3 cups beef broth, 1 can, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon Beef Better Than Bouillon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 bay leaf
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving.2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Tips & Tricks for Hamburger Vegetable Soup (easy) — Because Obviously You’re Making This Again
🧅 Onions for the Win (or Not)
Chop ’em, grate ’em, or straight-up hide them. I once grated onions into the soup to sneak past my picky eater—she had no idea. Want to skip them altogether? You can. But your soup will know. And it will be sad.
🥶 Frozen Veggies = Zero Regrets
Grab that mystery bag of frozen mixed vegetables hiding in your freezer like it’s been in witness protection. Corn, peas, carrots, green beans—whatever combo you’ve got, throw it in. It’s the ultimate shortcut to “I swear this took hours.”
💪 No Lean Beef? No Problem
Got fattier ground beef? Cool, just brown it and drain most of the grease (leave a little for flavor—this isn’t a spa retreat). Or swap it for ground turkey if you’re feeling responsible. I won’t judge… much.
🍅 Tomatoes: Chunky or Smooth Criminal?
I like the diced kind because they give that chunky, rustic “I made this from scratch” vibe. But crushed tomatoes or even tomato puree will work. It’s soup, not rocket science.
🧄 Garlic: Fresh, Frozen, or From the Abyss (a.k.a. The Jar)
Fresh is best, frozen is fine, and jarred garlic… well, let’s just say it has a flavor. If you’re desperate, use it. If not, treat yourself to the real stuff. You deserve it.
🔥 Red Pepper Flakes = Instant Personality
Want a soup with sass? Add those flakes. A little heat makes this cozy bowl feel alive. Like you, but on a Wednesday night with 20 minutes to make dinner.
🧂 Better Than Bouillon: Your Soup’s BFF
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it forever—Beef Better Than Bouillon is flavor gold. Skip it, and your soup will taste like it’s been ghosted by seasoning. A teaspoon goes a long way.
🥔 Potatoes or Pasta? Yes.
Want to make this soup extra filling? Add diced potatoes or a handful of elbow macaroni. They soak up flavor like pros and turn your soup into a full-on meal. Just add a little extra broth if you go this route, or you’ll end up with stew. Not that that’s a bad thing.
🧀 Cheese Is Optional, But Is It Really?
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top? Chef’s kiss. It turns this into cheeseburger soup without you lifting a finger (except the one that sprinkles the cheese).
❄️ Leftovers = Jackpot
This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and pretend you planned your life this well. It also freezes beautifully, if you’re the kind of person who does that.
