Hamburger soup is the best budget-friendly comfort food

Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re a little tired after a long day, and all you want is something cozy that won’t break the bank or take forever to make. That’s exactly when I pull out my trusty hamburger soup recipe. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—hearty ground beef, chunky veggies, and a savory broth that smells like home from the very first stir. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple and uses affordable pantry staples that I usually have on hand. Honestly, if you haven’t tried hamburger soup yet, you’re missing out on the perfect combo of comfort + convenience.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if you want it less greasy.

Step 2:

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté everything until the onions are translucent and carrots start softening, around 5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3:

Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir to combine, then add the Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 4:

Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes so those flavors get friendly and cozy together.

Step 5:

Stir in the frozen corn and green beans. Cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have some bite.

Step 6:

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or a splash more Worcestershire sauce amps up the savory goodness. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread or crackers.

Variations & Tips

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Add a diced potato or two for extra heartiness.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried—just toss them in near the end.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you want it thicker, mash a few cooked potatoes in the soup or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

How I Like to Serve It

This soup shines on chilly weeknights paired with a simple green salad or grilled cheese for ultimate comfort. It also reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week. When the weather starts cooling down, this bowl of warmth is exactly what you crave after running errands or coming home from work.

Notes

• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Closing: This hamburger soup never fails to hit that comfort food spot without spending a fortune or hours in the kitchen—what’s not to love?