Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup

Craving something hearty, nostalgic, and easy to make? Let me introduce you to Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup — a classic comfort food recipe that’s been passed down for generations.

This rich and savory soup brings together tender ground beef, chunky vegetables, and flavorful broth in one cozy bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a true lifesaver — simple, satisfying, and packed with nutrition.

Unlike store-bought soups, Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup uses whole ingredients and familiar seasonings. It’s a favorite in my kitchen, especially on chilly evenings when we need something filling yet fuss-free. And trust me — once you make it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home too.

Ingredients List

Soup Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs of celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 cups green beans (I use frozen cut green beans)
• 4 large red potatoes (about 1½ lbs.), diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth or beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup, having the right tools can make your cooking experience much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven – A wide, deep pot is essential for browning the beef and simmering the soup evenly.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Ideal for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it cooks.
3. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For prepping the vegetables efficiently and safely.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons – To help you measure broth, water, herbs, and tomato paste accurately.
5. Ladle – For easy serving once your soup is ready.

These kitchen essentials will help you cook confidently and comfortably — just like Grandma used to.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup is as easy as it is rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a pot of delicious, hearty soup ready in no time.

1. Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating your large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7–8 minutes.

Once browned, drain off any excess fat (especially if your beef is higher in fat content), and return the mixture to the pot.

2. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Stir in the carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with juice, green beans, diced potatoes, and tomato paste. Give everything a good mix so the tomato paste coats the veggies and meat.

Now add the beef broth, water, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.

3. Simmer to Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

During this time, the broth will soak up all the goodness from the meat and veggies, creating that classic homemade flavor we all crave.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once the vegetables are tender and your kitchen smells like pure comfort, it’s time to put the final touches on Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup.

4. Add Fresh Parsley and Adjust Seasoning

Remove the pot from heat and stir in ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley. This brightens the soup and adds a pop of color right before serving.

Next, taste the broth. Depending on your broth and personal preference, you may want to add more salt and pepper. I usually add another pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper here to round out the flavor.

Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before ladling into bowls — it’s done its job infusing that deep, herbal aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal on its own, but here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or a warm baguette makes the perfect side for dipping.
• Over Cooked Rice or Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a scoop of rice or small pasta like ditalini or macaroni.
• Topped with Parmesan: A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds umami and richness — trust me, Grandma would approve.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can:

• Swap out the green beans for peas or corn.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for a nutrition boost.

Storage, Freezing Tips & Conclusion

One of the best things about Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup? It tastes even better the next day — making it ideal for meal prep, leftovers, or freezing for busy weeknights.

How to Store Hamburger Soup

Once the soup has cooled to room temperature:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Ladle soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 60-second bursts, stirring in between.

Conclusion

Grandmother’s Hamburger Soup is more than just a recipe — it’s a memory in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and reminds you of cozy kitchens, full bellies, and second helpings.

This soup is a family favorite not only for its rich, savory taste but also for its flexibility and simplicity. Whether you’re making a big batch to share or storing some away for later, it delivers comfort and flavor every single time.