Description
This delicious Hamburger Soup features lean ground beef or turkey simmered with hearty vegetables in a smoky, flavorful tomato broth. Enhanced by spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, and complemented with fire-roasted tomatoes, this savory soup is comforting, quick to make on the stovetop, and perfect for a satisfying family meal. Garnish with cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions, and sour cream for added richness and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (may substitute 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 3 cups red or Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into 1/2” chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 5 1/2 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated beef bouillon or 2 crushed beef bouillon cubes
Additional Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)
Garnishes (Highly Recommended)
- Cheddar cheese
- Parsley
- Green onions or chives
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the yellow onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves or prepare garlic powder if using.
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef or turkey until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics and spices: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the browned meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften. Then stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and pepper to coat the mixture evenly.
- Add liquids and potatoes: Pour in the reduced sodium beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, yellow deli mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and beef bouillon. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add the chopped potatoes and green bell pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 minutes or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and flavors meld together. If using, stir in liquid smoke during the last 5 minutes of cooking for smoky depth.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt or seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, chopped green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Notes
- This Hamburger Soup is quick and easy to make on the stovetop, but can also be prepared in a slow cooker for convenience.
- Using lean ground turkey instead of beef lowers the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the simmering soup.
- Liquid smoke is optional but adds a smoky barbecue flavor that elevates the soup’s taste.
- Make ahead and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Adding cheddar cheese and sour cream as garnishes adds richness and creaminess to every bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
