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Healthy Hamburger Soup | Low-Carb, High-Protein Weeknight Solution

This Quick & Easy Hamburger Soup transforms simple ground beef and vegetables into a hearty, one-pot meal ready in under an hour. Packed with protein, rich flavors, and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and meal prep alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 287
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hamburger Soup Base:
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 blend
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Enhancements:
  • 2 medium potatoes cubed
  • 1 cup frozen corn or peas
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
Smart Substitutions:
  • Ground turkey or chicken
  • Tomato juice for part of broth
  • Barley or pasta for grains
  • Butternut squash instead of potatoes

Method
 

  1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp. Season lightly with salt.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking another 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Optional: stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste for depth.
  3. Pour in beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes with juices. Scrape up browned bits. Add bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and seasonings.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cover partially and cook 20-25 minutes. Add potatoes now if using.
  5. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning. Stir in frozen vegetables, cooking 5 minutes until heated through. Mash some potatoes for thickness if desired.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese before serving. Optional: add sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.

Notes

For richer flavor, deglaze with red wine before adding broth. Avoid overcooking vegetables—add delicate ones like peas near the end. Freeze in muffin tins for portioned servings.