Classic Comfort: Pioneer Woman’s Hamburger Soup Recipe & Guide
A flavor-packed, make-ahead bowl you can tailor to every taste and occasion.
Hamburger soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, filled with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, features a medley of vegetables, hearty ground beef, and savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy families, or anyone craving wholesome home cooking, this soup brings together nutrition, versatility, and big taste.
What Is Hamburger Soup?
Hamburger soup is a classic American one-pot dish, centered around ground beef and a variety of vegetables. Sometimes called a “clean out the fridge soup,” it’s highly adaptable and uses basic pantry staples, making mealtime both easy and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it ideal for using up leftovers or creating a custom mix your family loves.
Main features:
- Hearty, meaty flavor from ground beef
- Rich tomato-based broth and aromatics (onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste)
- Wide variety of vegetables (carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, optional extras)
- Nutrient-rich and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner
Ingredients: The Basics
To make Pioneer Woman’s hamburger soup, gather the following key ingredients. Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables:
- Ground chuck or lean ground beef – 2.5 lbs (for deep flavor and richness)
- Onion – 1 large, diced (for aromatic sweetness)
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced (adds crunch and flavor)
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (essential for savory depth)
- Whole canned tomatoes – 14 oz can (or chopped, for texture)
- Beef broth or stock – 4 cups or more (the flavorful base)
- Bell peppers – 2, diced (colorful and sweet)
- Carrots – 3, peeled and sliced (natural sweetness)
- Red potatoes – 4, diced (for hearty bite)
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons (for thick, tangy richness)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs – 1–2 teaspoons (adds depth)
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (chuck) | 2.5 lbs | Deep flavor, satisfying texture |
| Onion | 1 large, diced | Aromatic base |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced | Crunch & flavor |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Savory depth |
| Whole tomatoes, canned | 14 oz | Umami, richness |
| Beef broth or stock | 4 cups (or more) | Savory soup base |
| Bell peppers | 2, diced | Colorful sweetness |
| Carrots | 3, sliced | Natural sweetness |
| Red potatoes | 4, diced | Hearty texture |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Thick, tangy flavor |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Balanced seasoning |
| Dried herbs | 1–2 tsp | Depth of flavor |
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the Beef:
Heat a large pot over medium-high. Add ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef until browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and drain off as much fat as possible.Tip: Discard fat after it cools; skip this step for richer flavor.
- Build the Soup:
Return the pot to heat. Add whole tomatoes (crush or chop if preferred), beef broth, bell peppers, carrots, diced potatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well, ensuring everything is well combined. - Simmer:
Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender but not mushy. - Taste & Adjust:
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. For thinner soup, add 1–2 cups more broth or hot water and heat through. - Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for Prepping Vegetables
- Carrots: Peel on a paper towel for quick cleanup.
- Onion: Dice finely for an even texture—large chunks can overwhelm the soup.
- Potatoes: Dice small for quicker, more even cooking.
- Bell peppers: Dice or slice based on personal preference and color variety.
Customization & Variations
This soup’s versatility is legendary. Here are some favorite ways to make it your own:
- Additional veggies: Try zucchini, corn, green beans, peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Add greens: Spinach or kale stirred in at the end makes the soup nutrient-rich.
- Spicy kick: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Shortcut ingredients: Use frozen mixed vegetables, potato O’Brien mix, or pre-chopped vegetables for faster prep.
- Dietary tweaks: Swap ground turkey for beef, use sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes, or add cooked barley/rice for extra bulk.
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Serving Suggestions
Classic hamburger soup is delicious on its own, but these sides and garnishes turn it into a full meal:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up broth.
- Grilled cheese: Serve alongside or dunked into soup for a classic pairing.
- Shredded cheese: Sprinkle cheddar or mozzarella on hot soup to make it a “cheeseburger soup”.
- Crackers: Crushed saltines or oyster crackers on top add crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Hamburger soup improves as it sits—flavors meld overnight so leftovers taste even better.
- Freezing: Cool soup completely, store in airtight containers or resealable bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on stove, thinning with extra broth as needed. Microwave individual portions for quick lunches.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe for big batches, perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup
- Main Course Comfort: Meaty, filling, and heartwarming.
- Customizable & Kid-Friendly: Use favorite veggies and make substitutions for picky eaters.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean beef, and slow-cooked flavor, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal hassle, easy clean up—perfect for weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and stretches easily for leftovers.
Simple Table: Benefits of Hamburger Soup
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Hearty & Satisfying | Fills you up and warms you on cold days |
| Nutrition | Loaded with vitamins from vegetables |
| Versatility | Customizable with any veggies |
| Ease | Simple process and easy clean up |
| Freezes Well | Ideal for batch cooking and leftovers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use turkey or another meat instead of beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well and can reduce fat content.
Q: Is hamburger soup gluten-free?
A: The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free unless you add wheat-containing sides like bread or noodles.
Q: What if I want more broth?
A: Simply add 1–2 cups more beef broth or hot water at the end of cooking and heat through for a soupier consistency.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, peas, corn, spinach, or kale make great additions and increase nutrition.
Q: How long does hamburger soup keep?
A: Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Make sure to cool soup completely before storing.
Q: What’s the best way to serve hamburger soup?
A: With crusty bread, crackers, or melted shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Crumble beef finely: For even texture, break up beef as it browns.
- Simmer gently: Gentle simmering preserves vegetable texture and flavor.
- Customize herbs: Adjust dried herbs or swap in fresh for brighter taste.
- Make it ahead: The flavors improve as soup sits—plan for leftovers!
- Serve hot: Hamburger soup is best enjoyed steaming, straight from the pot.
Nutritional Snapshot
Hamburger soup offers a balanced meal: protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables, and comfort from the broth. Calorie estimates will vary depending on adjustments but generally provide a hearty, filling meal for all ages.
Clean-Up & Storage Recommendations
- Let soup cool before transferring to containers to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Store in single-serve portions for easy reheating.
- Label containers with date for quick identification in the freezer.
- Wash your pot right after serving for easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts & Customization Inspiration
The Pioneer Woman’s hamburger soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s an invitation. Use it as a foundation, then personalize with your family’s favorite vegetables, meats, and sides. The best soups come from experimenting, trying new flavors, and making each pot your own.
Whether served on a snowy evening, a busy weeknight, or as comfort for someone under the weather, this soup is proof that simple ingredients can create memorable meals. Try making extra—you’ll want leftovers!
FAQs: Pioneer Woman Hamburger Soup
Q: Does it freeze well?
A: Yes! Cool completely, freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat gently for best results.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use canned mixed vegetables?
A: Yes, though fresh or frozen vegetables offer better texture and flavor.
Q: Should I peel the potatoes?
A: Potato skin is edible and nutritious, but peel if you prefer a smoother texture.
Q: Can I cook in a slow cooker?
A: Brown beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low 4–6 hours.
References
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