Hamburger Soup (Stovetop)
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Ingredients
Cooking Process
Recipe Note
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Steps
Preheat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the preheated pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the garlic to the pot and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, using a spoon to break up the chunks until the beef is crumbly and fully cooked.
Add the tomatoes and chili powder to the pot. Cook for 4 more minutes to reduce the liquids.
Add the broth or stock, potatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot.
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low to simmer and partially cover the pot.
Cook the soup for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: this will vary based on the saltiness of your broth and canned tomatoes.
Nutrition
Per serving (2 servings)
362
Calories
20g
Protein
34g
Carbs
16g
Fat
764mg
Sodium
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FAQ
Recipe Questions
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FAQ
Recipe Questions
How long does it take to make Hamburger Soup (Stovetop)?
It takes about 38 minutes in total, with 18 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time.
How many servings does this Hamburger Soup recipe make?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Can I substitute the chicken stock in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 5 cups of water plus 1.5 tablespoons of Better Than Bullion base instead of chicken stock.
What are the allergens in this Hamburger Soup?
The allergens in this soup are dairy and wheat/gluten.
How difficult is it to make this Hamburger Soup?
It's an easy recipe, with a high confidence rating for difficulty.
Substitutions
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Substitutions
ground beef
ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork
Ground turkey and chicken are leaner than ground beef, resulting in a lighter flavor. Ground pork has a richer, fattier taste. Cooking times may be slightly shorter for leaner meats to prevent overcooking.
yellow onion
white onion, red onion
White onions have a sharper, more pungent flavor, while red onions are slightly sweeter. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes with minimal flavor difference.
carrots
parsnips, rutabagas
Parsnips have a sweeter, nuttier flavor, and rutabagas are more earthy. Both may take a bit longer to cook until tender compared to carrots.
celery
fennel, leeks
Fennel adds a licorice - like flavor, and leeks have a milder, sweeter onion flavor. Adjust the quantity according to personal taste preference.
garlic
garlic powder
Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. The flavor may be more intense and less fresh - tasting.
diced tomatoes
crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes have a smoother texture. The cooking time to reduce the liquids may be slightly different as crushed tomatoes are more broken down.
chicken stock
beef stock, vegetable stock
Beef stock will add a more robust, meaty flavor, while vegetable stock is a good option for vegetarians. The overall flavor profile of the soup will change accordingly.
Russet potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamier texture and a slightly buttery flavor. They may cook a bit faster than Russet potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store the hamburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 - 4 days.
Freezer
You can freeze the soup in a freezer - safe container for up to 3 months.
Storage Tips
- • Let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- • Label the container with the date of storage.
Reheating Tips
- • Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium - low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning and ensure even heating.
- • If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
Safety Notes
- • Always ensure the soup is heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
- • Do not leave the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting
Onions, carrots, and celery are not softened after 3 minutes
Likely cause: The heat was set too low, or the vegetables were cut too large
Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking for a few more minutes. If the vegetables are too large, remove them, cut them into smaller pieces, and then add them back to the pot
Garlic burns while cooking
Likely cause: The heat was too high or the garlic was left in the pot for too long
Immediately remove the garlic from the pot. If it's slightly burnt, discard it and add fresh minced garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the new garlic for a shorter time, closely monitoring it
Ground beef is still pink and not fully cooked after 8 minutes
Likely cause: The beef was added in large chunks or the heat was too low
Break up the beef into smaller pieces if needed. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked, making sure to stir frequently
The soup is overly thick after adding all ingredients and simmering
Likely cause: Too much liquid was reduced during the cooking process or not enough broth was added
Add more chicken stock or water to the pot, a little at a time, and stir well until the soup reaches the desired consistency
Potatoes are still hard after 20 minutes of simmering
Likely cause: The potatoes were cut too large or the heat was too low during simmering
If the potatoes are large, remove them and cut them into smaller pieces. Then, add them back to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 - 15 minutes, checking for tenderness regularly
The soup tastes bland
Likely cause: Not enough seasonings were added or the broth used was low - in - flavor
Add more chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of soy sauce to enhance the flavor
The soup boils over during the high - heat stage
Likely cause: The heat was set too high or the pot was too small
Immediately reduce the heat to medium. If the soup has already boiled over, carefully clean the stovetop. Consider using a larger pot if you plan to make this soup again