Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of soup with ground beef on a busy weeknight. When my daughter Emma first tried this recipe, she dubbed it “the dinner that hugs you from the inside,” and that name has stuck in our family ever since. If you’re like me, juggling work deadlines and family schedules often leaves little time for elaborate cooking, yet you still crave something wholesome and delicious. The rich aroma of beef and herbs that fills your kitchen while this soup simmers will make everyone drift toward the kitchen, spoons at the ready. Today, I’ll show you how to create this hearty, budget-friendly meal that comes together faster than your favorite delivery order.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- This soup with ground beef is endlessly adaptable – switch up the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or what’s in season
- Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” evenings
- One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup (a lesson I learned from my Nonna, who believed great food shouldn’t create great messes)
- Freezes beautifully for future meals when you’re too tired to cook
- Packed with protein and vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies the whole family
There’s something deeply nostalgic about this recipe. It reminds me of those special meals in New Orleans where I first discovered how simple ingredients could transform into something extraordinary. This easy soup with hamburger brings that same magical quality to your everyday cooking.
Pure Comfort
This soup bridges the gap between nourishing and comforting – a rare combination in today’s world of either ultra-healthy or indulgent comfort foods. The tender ground beef, soft noodles, and flavorful broth create a meal that’s perfect for rainy evenings, sick days, or whenever your soul needs a little extra care. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, passed down with notes in the margins and memories of gathering around steaming bowls during winter holidays or after long days.
What You Need
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (about ¾ cup)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium gives you more control over seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, or ditalini)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For those watching sodium, feel free to use no-salt-added tomatoes and reduce the broth to 4 cups plus 2 cups water. If you’re gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta or substitute with extra vegetables and some diced potatoes for heartiness.
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Make-Ahead: Can be made 1-2 days ahead and tastes even better the next day. The soup with ground beef crockpot version can simmer all day while you’re away.
Steps to Make It
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain all but 1 tablespoon.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush this step – those softened vegetables create the flavor foundation of any good soup hamburger recipe.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to coat the beef and vegetables. This quick caramelization adds incredible depth of flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the dried herbs and bay leaf, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the pasta and frozen vegetables, then continue simmering until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes (check your pasta package for specific cooking times).
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Don’t be surprised if the kitchen suddenly fills with family members drawn by the irresistible aroma – this soup using hamburger tends to have that magnetic effect!
Make It Perfect
For an extraordinary soup with ground beef, brown the meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients – those caramelized bits are flavor gold! If your soup seems too thick after the pasta cooks, simply add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
The most common mistake is overcooking the pasta. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings – this prevents it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy when stored.
For a hamburger gumbo recipe variation, add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, swap celery for bell peppers, and serve over a small scoop of rice instead of using pasta in the soup. This twist always reminds me of my transformative Louisiana trip.
Mix It Up
Transform this into a spicy fiesta soup by adding a diced jalapeño with the vegetables, swapping the herbs for 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, and topping with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef, increase the vegetables, and use a small pasta like orzo or skip it altogether for a lower-carb option.
In autumn, try ground beef noodle soup recipes with seasonal touches – add diced butternut squash and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, seasonal twist that tastes like fall in a bowl.
Perfect Partners
Serve this hearty soup with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. A chunk of crusty bread or warm cornbread makes the perfect dipper for that savory broth. For meal planning, make a double batch of the easy soup ground beef recipe on Sunday, enjoy it that night with grilled cheese sandwiches, then pack individual portions for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
💡For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup actually improves with time as the flavors meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead, but if possible, add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! For best results, freeze without the pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
What ingredient substitutions work?
Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth. No fresh vegetables? Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly!
Your New Go-To Meal
This soup with ground beef is more than just dinner – it’s a solution for busy nights, a comfort on difficult days, and a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own with personal touches, this easy soup with ground beef delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. I’d love to hear how you customize it for your family! Drop a comment below or tag @BlinkRecipes on social media with your delicious creation.