Why You’ll Love this Cozy Hamburger Soup
Why is this hamburger soup a must-try for your weekly menu? Let me count the ways.
First, it’s the ultimate one-pot wonder that transforms humble ingredients into something magical. I make this whenever the temperature drops below 60°F—yes, I’m that person who gets “cold” in mild weather.
The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich tomato broth creates a symphony of flavors that even picky eaters devour.
Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. No cabbage? Skip it. Extra carrots? Throw them in. Trust me, you’ll be scraping the bottom of the pot.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Hamburger Soup?
My favorite thing about hamburger soup is how it combines simple, everyday ingredients into something so comforting and delicious.
This recipe relies on staples most of us already have in our refrigerators and pantries, which makes it perfect for those nights when you’re wondering what to make for dinner but don’t want to run to the store.
The combination of protein, veggies, and savory broth creates a perfectly balanced meal in one pot.
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 potatoes, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3-4 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 (46-ounce) can tomato juice or V8 vegetable juice
- 1 (1-ounce) package onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for ingredients, I recommend choosing lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce the amount of fat you’ll need to drain off.
And don’t worry if you need to make substitutions—this soup is incredibly forgiving.
If you prefer a slightly spicier version, V8 adds more depth than plain tomato juice.
And while the recipe calls for basic vegetables, you could easily toss in some green beans, corn, or peas if you’re trying to clean out the fridge.
That’s the beauty of hamburger soup—it welcomes improvisation.
How to Make this Cozy Hamburger Soup
Making this hamburger soup couldn’t be easier, and the process fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Start by browning 1 pound of hamburger along with 1 chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat. This creates the savory foundation for your soup.
Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, be sure to drain off the excess fat—this prevents your soup from becoming greasy and allows the clean flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
Next, add your vegetables directly to the pot: 3-4 diced potatoes, 1 stalk of chopped celery, 3-4 chopped carrots, and 1/2 head of shredded cabbage. Let these colorful additions cook with the meat for about 5-10 minutes, which softens them slightly and helps them release their flavors. The vegetables don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they’ll continue to simmer later.
Now pour in the 46-ounce can of tomato juice (or V8 for more flavor) and sprinkle in the 1-ounce package of onion soup mix, which adds depth and seasoning without any extra work on your part.
The final step is where the magic happens—let your soup simmer for a full hour, uncovered or partially covered. During this time, the flavors meld together, the vegetables become tender, and the broth develops that rich, homemade taste we all crave.
I love how the kitchen windows steam up and the house fills with comforting aromas during this simmering period. Before serving, taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the onion soup mix contains salt, so you might need less than you think.
And there you have it—a hearty, soul-warming hamburger soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bit of comfort in a bowl.
Cozy Hamburger Soup Substitutions and Variations
The versatility of this cozy hamburger soup makes it perfect for customization based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Feel free to swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you’re cutting calories, or try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
No cabbage? Toss in some spinach or kale instead. I’ve used sweet potatoes rather than regular ones when I wanted a hint of sweetness.
You can even replace the V8 with beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Cozy Hamburger Soup
Now that you’ve got your soup simmering on the stove, let’s talk about what to pair with this hearty bowl of goodness.
I always reach for a crusty loaf of French bread or some warm dinner rolls – perfect for sopping up that savory broth. Trust me, you’ll want to catch every drop.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a nice contrast to the rich soup.
For something more substantial, grilled cheese sandwiches are my go-to. I sometimes make them with sharp cheddar and a touch of mustard.
Crackers or cornbread work beautifully too, especially on cold winter nights.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re battling winter chills or simply craving something wholesome, this cozy hamburger soup has become my family’s favorite comfort food for good reason. The humble combination of ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth creates something truly magical in just an hour of simmering.
I love how versatile this recipe is—swap in whatever veggies are looking sad in your crisper drawer, use V8 instead of tomato juice for extra flavor, or toss in some pasta during the last few minutes. Truth be told, it tastes even better the next day. Isn’t that the mark of a perfect soup?
