Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup (One-Pot Weeknight Wonder)

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup is the kind of recipe you pull out when you’re tired, your fridge is sad, and everyone in the house is already asking, “What’s for dinner?” It’s warm, it’s hearty, it takes 30 minutes tops, and—bonus!—it’s a full-on dinner in one pot. This soup’s got it all: lean ground beef, chunky vegetables, rich tomato broth, and cozy flavors that make even a picky eater pause before complaining.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to stash some away for future “I can’t even” nights, this recipe delivers. And yes, it works in the slow cooker too if you’ve got one of those magical days where you’re somehow home at noon.

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What is Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup?

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup is your weeknight MVP. It’s a beefy, veggie-packed one-pot soup that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Think of it as the overachieving cousin of chili—same hearty vibe, less spice, more comfort. It starts with ground beef, then you toss in frozen soup veggies (no judgment—we love a good shortcut), canned tomatoes, broth, and a handful of pantry spices.

Simmer it all together for 20 minutes and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and sensible. It’s also super versatile. Add beans, skip the potatoes, use turkey instead of beef—it’s all fair game. And don’t worry, the flavor holds up beautifully whether you make it on the stovetop or let your slow cooker do the work while you handle, well, life.

Reasons to Try Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

First, let’s be real: dinner that’s done in 30 minutes and only uses one pot? That’s a big yes. Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup hits all the right notes—it’s hearty, healthy-ish, and flexible enough to match what’s hanging out in your freezer. Have kids who fight veggies like it’s their job? This soup hides them beautifully. Need something you can stretch into lunch the next day? Done.

It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and you can double or triple the recipe when you’ve got guests or just want to stock your freezer. Also, it’s forgiving. You can forget to stir it once or twice and it’ll still turn out great. If you’re into low-maintenance meals that actually taste like they required effort (spoiler: they didn’t), this soup is your new go-to. PS: It makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

• 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (think: corn, peas, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, potatoes)
• 3 cups beef broth or stock
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Beef Better Than Bouillon
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions to Make Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Ready to bring this cozy meal to life? Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own pot of comforting Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup. Whether you’re new to one-pot meals or just love a reliable dinner you can count on, this process is simple, flexible, and forgiving. Let’s get cooking.

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Onions and Garlic

Grab your 7.5 qt Dutch oven or any large soup pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup chopped yellow onion, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it browns. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.

Tip: Browning the meat thoroughly helps develop rich flavor—so don’t rush it! For even more depth, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika at this stage. If you’re swapping in ground turkey or another protein, check out our ingredient substitution tips for best results.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Veggies, and Broth

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to build the base of your soup. Dump in the entire 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (juice included), followed by 3 cups of frozen mixed soup vegetables. No need to thaw—just toss them in!

Pour in 3 cups of beef broth or stock, then add 15 oz of tomato sauce. Give it all a stir to combine.

Shortcut Love: Frozen soup vegetables keep this meal fast without skimping on nutrients. If you’re into homemade veggie blends, you might also love our Simple Potato Soup Recipe for more from-scratch inspo.

Step 3: Season with Herbs and Spices

Now for the flavor magic! Add the following seasonings directly into the pot:

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Beef Better Than Bouillon
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf

Give everything a good stir. These pantry staples create a savory, slow-cooked taste without spending hours at the stove.

Need low-sodium options? Swap regular broth for low-sodium broth and omit the added salt. Learn more ways to adjust flavor without extra sodium in our healthy soup recipes.

Step 4: Simmer Until Flavorful

Bring your soup to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so the flavors mingle and nothing sticks to the bottom.

You’re not just warming ingredients—you’re letting them get cozy with each other. This simmering time deepens the taste, softens the veggies, and thickens the broth ever so slightly.

Slow cooker version: Want to prep ahead? Dump everything into your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–8 hours. Try our cozy Crockpot Cowboy Casserole for another low-effort, big-reward dinner idea.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve

Once the soup is done simmering, remove the bay leaf (no one wants to chew that). Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and brightness.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it up hot. Want a little extra texture? Top each bowl with crushed crackers, shredded cheese, or even a spoonful of sour cream. And don’t forget the bread—for dipping, scooping, or wiping the bowl clean.

What to Serve with Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

This soup is a standalone rockstar, but if you’re feeling fancy—or just hungry—serve it up with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping. Want something lighter? A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Kids? Toss in a grilled cheese or cheesy quesadilla. If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting out toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or even crushed crackers for a fun soup bar setup. And for dessert? This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie wouldn’t hurt.

Key Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

1. Brown that beef well. It adds depth you don’t want to miss.
2. Use frozen veggies to save time, but feel free to throw in fresh if you’re in the mood to chop.
3. Double it. Seriously, it reheats like a dream.
4. Want to slow cook? Toss everything (except parsley) into your crockpot and cook on low 6–8 hours.
5. Taste before serving. A splash of hot sauce or a dash more salt can totally wake it up.

Storage and Reheating Tips Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day—science probably agrees. Want to freeze it? Cool it down first, then portion into freezer bags or containers. It’ll keep for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Bonus: it’s perfect for meal prep—pack it up with a piece of bread and boom, lunch is done.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Just add a touch more seasoning for flavor.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and seasonings are GF-certified.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for lentils or meatless crumbles and use veggie broth.

Can I make it in advance?
You bet. It gets tastier the longer it sits.

Final Thoughts

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s your cold-weather, busy-night, no-time-to-think dinner lifesaver. It’s cozy without being fussy, fast without being bland, and hearty without weighing you down. Whether you’re serving it solo or alongside Crockpot Cowboy Casserole for a rustic dinner night, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your regular rotation. It’s one of those back-pocket meals that just works. Every time.

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