This easy hamburger soup is a delicious blend of flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. Packed with lean ground beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and the best part is, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free!
The best part about this hamburger soup is just how quick and easy it is to make! It can be ready in under 30 minutes and lasts well in the fridge for lunches during the week. Sweet potatoes and fire-roasted tomatoes gives this soup a sweet and smoky flavor that is truly irresistible. The fire-roasted tomatoes don’t make it spicy, just add a ton of flavor you’ll love.
Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can add leftover vegetables you have on hand, making it a practical choice for any meal. The savory, hearty flavor of this soup, along with the veggies make it a great family meal for any day of the week. It’s filling and truly satisfying.
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This soup is completely forgiving and you can add any leftover fresh vegetables you have like broccoli, snow peas, green beans, even cauliflower. Or you can use all those leftover bags of frozen vegetables that are in the back of your freezer peas, corn, green beans, carrots.
I highly recommend making this hamburger soup during the cold winter months. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for the whole family. Trust me, once you've tried this soup, you'll be making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup
- Quick and Easy: This hamburger soup recipe is the epitome of simplicity and speed. With just a few steps and under thirty minutes, you can have a hearty, flavorful soup ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free: This soup is perfect for those with dietary restrictions as it is completely gluten-free. Be sure to use gluten-free beef broth if needed. It’s a tasty option that everyone can enjoy!
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a crowd-pleaser that the entire family will love. Loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s a wholesome dish that will keep everyone satisfied.
- Versatile: One of the great things about this hamburger soup is its versatility. You can add any leftover fresh vegetables you have on hand, or even those bags of frozen veggies that are hiding in the back of your freezer.
- Perfect for Beginners: With its straightforward instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, this hamburger soup recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It is a foolproof recipe that's sure to impress!
Ingredients
This hamburger soup recipe is incredibly easy to whip up with ingredients that are simple to find at your local grocery store. You may already have many of them in your pantry or fridge!
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that's perfect for sautéing. It will be used to brown the ground beef and sauté the veggies, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
- Lean Ground Beef: I used a lean cut to keep the soup light and healthy. Ground beef adds a hearty, meaty flavor that makes this soup satisfying and filling.
- Garlic: Diced garlic cloves add a punch of flavor to this soup. They give the dish a savory depth that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
- Onion: Diced onion adds a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor that forms the backbone of this soup. It is a classic ingredient in many soup recipes for a reason!
- Red Pepper: This adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the soup. Red peppers also contribute to the overall nutrition of the dish as they're packed with vitamins.
- Carrots: Diced carrots bring a hint of sweetness and a lovely crunch. They also add a vibrant color that makes this soup visually appealing.
- Celery: Celery adds a fresh, crisp flavor and texture to the soup. It is a classic ingredient in many soups and stews because of its ability to add depth of flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: These add a natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the soup. Sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy addition.
- Beef Broth: This forms the liquid foundation of the soup. It is rich and savory, and if you're following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use a gluten-free variety.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a smoky flavor and a bit of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. If you don't have fire roasted, regular diced tomatoes will work just fine.
- Salt, Ground Pepper, and Montreal Steak seasoning: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and add depth to the soup. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
- Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the soup. Plus, they're a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
How to Make Hamburger Soup
Making this delicious soup is incredibly easy. Let me share with you exactly how to make a hearty hamburger soup that's not only delicious but also gluten-free. For more detailed instructions, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1.
Cook The Ground Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. If you're using lean meat, there shouldn't be much grease, but if you're using a higher fat content meat, you may need to drain the fat. Once cooked, set the meat aside.
Step 2.
Sauté The Veggies: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil, followed by garlic, onion, peppers, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the onions start to turn translucent.
Step 3.
Combine Ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the cooked beef back into the pot along with all the remaining ingredients.
Step 4.
Simmer The Soup: Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5.
Season Your Soup: Finally, taste your soup and add more seasoning if needed. Remember, Montreal Steak seasoning is quite salty, so be careful not to overdo it. Enjoy your homemade, gluten-free hamburger soup!
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Want to make the most of your leftover veggies? Toss in any fresh vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, green beans, or even cauliflower into this hamburger soup. You can also add those leftover bags of frozen vegetables from your freezer. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to ensure a flavorful soup.
- Spice It Up: If you're a fan of heat, try adding a diced jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your hamburger soup. It'll add a spicy kick that'll warm you up from the inside out.
- Extra Protein: If you're seeking to add more protein to your meal, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney or black beans to the soup. They'll add a nice texture and boost the protein content.
- Veggie Hamburger Soup: Want to make this soup vegetarian? Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or add more veggies for a hearty, meat-free meal. Remember to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Chicken Version: If you're not a fan of beef or simply want to try something different, replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. This will give your soup a lighter taste while still keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Helpful Tips
Whipping up a pot of this hamburger soup is as simple as it gets, but here are a few expert tips to make sure that your soup is a flavorful and hearty success every time.
- Choose lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef (I recommend around a fat content of about 90%) to keep the soup healthier and less greasy. If you do end up with a higher fat content, make sure to drain off the excess fat after browning the beef.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes: If you have them on hand, fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a lovely smoky flavor to the soup. But don't worry, regular diced tomatoes will work just fine too.
- Adjust the seasoning: Montreal Steak seasoning is a great addition to this soup, but remember it is quite salty. Start with a teaspoon and then adjust to your taste.
- Ensure your broth is gluten-free: If you're following a gluten-free diet, double-check your beef broth is gluten-free too. Not all brands are, so it is worth checking the label.
- Play around with vegetables: This soup is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to add any leftover fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand. It is a great way to use up what's in your fridge or freezer and add extra nutrition to your meal.
- Let the flavors meld: Once all your ingredients are in the pot, let it simmer for about ten to fifteen minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a soup that's rich, hearty, and delicious.
Dietary Substitutions
This hearty hamburger soup recipe can be easily modified to suit various dietary needs but it’s already gluten-free as is. Here's how you can adapt it to be vegan, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, and keto-compatible:
- To Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy-Free: To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute. Also, ensure to use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Friendly: This recipe is already paleo and Whole30 compatible. Just make sure to use grass-fed beef and organic vegetables to stay within the guidelines of these diets.
- To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: To make this hamburger soup keto-friendly, simply omit the sweet potatoes and peas, which are higher in carbs. You can replace them with more keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini or spinach if you like.
Storage Instructions
- To Refrigerate: After enjoying your hearty hamburger soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it a great option for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
- To Freeze: This soup is packed with a variety of vegetables and is completely freezer-friendly! To freeze, simply transfer the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, ensuring you have a nutritious and gluten-free meal ready whenever you need it.
- To Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave using the defrost setting, or warm it up slowly in a large pot on the stovetop. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to guarantee even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices can I use in hamburger soup?
Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
Serving Suggestions
This hearty hamburger soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meals. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Salads: A bowl of this hamburger soup perfectly complements salads like a spiced sweet potato and kale salad, a Greek Zucchini noodle salad, or a gluten-free pasta salad.
- Mains: This soup can be a warm and comforting appetizer to main dishes like roast chicken, herbed skirt steak, or a tender London broil.
- Sides: Lighten up your meal by pairing this soup with gluten-free garlic bread, a side of oven-roasted corn, or a quinoa and vegetable stir-fry.
- For Pasta Night: Serve this soup as a starter for a pasta night! It pairs well with gluten-free spaghetti Bolognese, creamy Alfredo pasta, or a hearty lasagna.
Recipe
Hamburger Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef, I used 90% lean
- 4 cloves of garlic, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 pieces of celery, diced
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 32 oz box of beef broth
- 1 28 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak seasoning, or more!
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- In a dutch oven over medium-high heat cook the ground beef until no longer pink. If you use lean meat you shouldn't have much grease but if you use a different fat content you may need to drain the fat. Remove from pan and set meat aside.
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan, then add garlic, onion, peppers, carrots, and celery. Saute for a few minutes until the onions start to become translucent.
- Add the beef back to the pot, then add all remaining ingredients. Turn up the heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes while flavors meld. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Montreal Steak is very salty so go easy on it.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from Allrecipes
Steve B says
Can this be made using regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Karen Kelly says
Yes for sure!