The sound of ground beef sizzling in my favorite Dutch oven always takes me back to Julia’s kitchen on winter evenings. This loaded hamburger soup transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table a little longer.
Think of this as a cheeseburger that decided to become soup – and brought all its friends along. Ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese come together with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s like that diner classic you crave, but made cozy for home. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe since my daughters were little, adding extra cheese when they weren’t looking and sneaking in more vegetables. Julia always said the best soups tell stories with every spoonful. I tested it three times last month alone – you’ll love the secret ingredient that makes it unforgettable.
PrintLoaded Hamburger Soup: Easy Delicious Comfort
Loaded hamburger soup is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any dinner. This hamburger soup recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor for the whole family to enjoy. It’s gluten free and comforting for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Avocado or Coconut Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion chopped
- 3–4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 lb 85% Lean Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb 93% Lean Ground Turkey feel free to add a whole lb if you want it extra meaty
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 28–29 oz Diced Tomatoes fire roasted preferred
- 3–4 Celery Stalks chopped into 1–2 inch pieces
- 3–4 Carrot Stalks peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 C. Fresh Green Beans chopped into 2 inch pieces
- 2 C. Yukon Gold Potatoes cut into fourths use sweet potatoes or parsnips for paleo
- 32 oz Beef Broth
- 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp EACH of Sea Salt and Paprika
- 1/2 tsp EACH of Black Pepper Garlic Powder Onion Powder and Cumin
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Optional Toppings Fresh Chopped Parsley and Avocado Slices
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and cook the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and ground turkey to the pot and cook thoroughly until browned.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients for the soup, bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a low-medium setting. Cover with a lid and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the vegetables are as tender as you prefer.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh parsley and avocado slices if desired.
Notes
- This soup is delicious served with my grain free “corn” bread
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 411 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
Why This Loaded Hamburger Soup Will Become Your Go-To
There’s something magical about a soup that combines your favorite comfort foods into one bowl. This loaded hamburger soup delivers the perfect balance of hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich tomato broth that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together in your trusty Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze.
- Freezer-friendly: Double the batch and stash half for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner.
- Naturally wholesome: Gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-freewithout sacrificing any comforting flavor.
Meet Your Ingredients (And Why They Matter)
The beauty of this hamburger soup recipe lies in its simplicity no fancy ingredients, just honest flavors that work perfectly together. I love using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey because it offers rich meaty flavor while keeping things a bit lighter.
The fire-roasted diced tomatoes are my secret weapon herethey add a smoky depth that regular tomatoes just can’t match. And those Yukon Gold potatoes? They hold their shape beautifully, giving every spoonful that satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs feeling.
| Ingredient Swap | Original | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Paleo Option | Yukon Gold Potatoes | Sweet Potatoes or Parsnips |
| Extra Meaty | 1/2 lb Ground Turkey | Full 1 lb Ground Turkey |
| Oil Choice | Avocado Oil | Coconut Oil |
How It All Comes Together
The magic starts with that classic soup baseonions getting golden and fragrant in your pot. When you add the garlic, your kitchen will fill with the unmistakable scent of comfort. Then comes the satisfying sizzle of browning the ground beef and turkey together.
Once all other ingredients join the mix, it’s really just about patience. Let those vegetables soften and all the beautiful seasonings meld together. The Italian seasoning, paprika, and cumin create layers of flavor that make this loaded hamburger soup taste like it’s been simmering in grandma’s kitchen all day.
- Pro tip: Don’t skip properly browning the meatthose little caramelized bits add incredible flavor.
- Timing matters: Cut your vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Timing Your Perfect Bowl
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | 15 minutes | Chop vegetables, measure seasonings |
| Sauté Base | 5-7 minutes | Cook onions until translucent, then add garlic |
| Brown Meat | 8-10 minutes | Cook ground beef and turkey until no pink remains |
| Simmer | 30-45 minutes | Let vegetables reach your preferred tenderness |
Little Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
Every family has their own way of making soup just right. Some like their carrots with a little bite, others prefer them fork-tenderthat’s why the 30-45 minute simmer range gives you control over the final texture.
If you’re feeding little ones, try cutting the vegetables smaller so they cook faster and are easier for small mouths. For adults who love extra flavor, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving, but let them work their aromatic magic throughout the cooking process.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This soup is absolutely gorgeous topped with fresh chopped parsley and creamy avocado slices. The vibrant green colors make it feel fresh and restaurant-worthyeven on a Tuesday night. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers to make it extra filling.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in airtight containers; reheat gently |
| Freezer | 3 months | Cool completely first; leave room for expansion |
| Reheating | Stovetop preferred | Add a splash of beef broth if needed |
Pro tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, as all those flavors have more time to mingle. Make it ahead for easy meal prep or when you’re expecting company.
Expert Says
When preparing loaded hamburger soup, consider that browning the meat first enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction, which develops rich, complex notes. Additionally, incorporating vegetables not only boosts nutritional value but also adds texture, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
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The Long Road to Loaded Hamburger Soup
This loaded hamburger soup took many attempts to perfect. I remember one time I accidentally added too much paprika, turning it into a spicy disaster. But with each misstep, I learned and experimented until I finally created a rich, comforting bowl that warms both the heart and soul.
FAQs ( Loaded Hamburger Soup )
What ingredients are in loaded hamburger soup?
This recipe typically includes ground beef, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also add cheese, bacon, and sour cream for extra flavor and heartiness.
How long does it take to make loaded hamburger soup?
Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 30-40 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Can I make loaded hamburger soup ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that the flavors will deepen as it sits!
What side dishes go well with loaded hamburger soup?
Pair this meal with some crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete dining experience. Grilled cheese sandwiches also complement the richer flavors nicely, making for a comforting meal.
Can I freeze loaded hamburger soup?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
This loaded hamburger soup comes together in under an hour and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. You’ll love how the ground beef gets perfectly tender and how the fire-roasted tomatoes add that smoky depth we talked about. It’s comfort food that truly delivers on its promiserich, satisfying, and soul-warming.
Here’s a little trick Julia taught me: add a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the last five minutes for extra umami magic. If you’re serving picky eaters, blend half the vegetables before adding them backthey’ll never know they’re getting extra nutrition. This soup reheats beautifully on the stovetop with just a splash of broth to loosen it up.
I’d love to see your version of this recipe! Did your family have a go-to hamburger soup when you were growing up? Share your photos and tell me what memories this brings backthere’s something special about soup recipes that connect us across generations. Save this one for the next chilly evening when you need a big warm hug in a bowl.
