Campbell Hamburger Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the warm, hearty embrace of a bowl of soup. And when you think of classic, all-American soups, Campbell’s Hamburger Soup often comes to mind. It’s a perfect marriage of savory beef, tender vegetables, and a rich broth that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to serve the family on a chilly evening or preparing for a cozy gathering, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make.

Today, we’re diving into the beloved Campbell Hamburger Soup Recipe, a version that’s simple to prepare, yet packed with flavor. I’ll walk you through all the ingredients, the cooking process, and even share expert tips to elevate the dish. Plus, we’ll explore some variations to make it your own, because, after all, everyone loves a little customization in their cooking.

Let’s get cooking!

Campbell Hamburger Soup Recipe

This Campbell Hamburger Soup recipe takes the comfort of a traditional hamburger and turns it into a flavorful soup that’s full of warmth and nutrition. Made with ground beef, veggies, and a delicious broth, it’s a one-pot wonder. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing leftovers for the week, this soup has all the hearty, delicious ingredients you want, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious soup:

• Ground Beef – The heart of the soup. You’ll need about 1 lb of ground beef. Lean or fatty, your choice, but lean beef tends to give you a cleaner, less greasy broth.
• Onion – 1 medium onion, diced. This adds depth to the flavor base and gives a subtle sweetness when sautéed.
• Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced. They add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.
• Celery – 2 stalks, diced. Celery brings crunch and a mild earthy flavor to balance out the richness of the beef.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Garlic gives your soup that aromatic kick that really builds flavor.
• Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp. This adds a rich, deep umami flavor and thickens the broth just slightly.
• Beef Broth – 4 cups. The base of your soup. If you want a richer taste, you can use beef stock instead.
• Canned Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes. This adds tang and a slight acidity to cut through the richness of the beef.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables – 1 ½ cups. A convenient way to add more veggies to the soup without peeling or chopping. Typically includes peas, corn, green beans, and carrots.
• Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced. These make the soup heartier and more filling.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste. Season to bring out all the flavors.
• Bay Leaves – 2 leaves. These add a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the broth.
• Dried Thyme – ½ tsp. Thyme brings an herbal warmth that compliments the beef beautifully.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get that soup simmering! Follow these steps for a perfect batch:

1. Brown The Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • Add the garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, letting it caramelize and deepen in flavor.

3. Add The Liquids

   • Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine everything together.
   • Add the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well.

4. Simmer

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Add Frozen Vegetables

   • Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.

6. Season

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve

   • Discard the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef: Choosing the right fat-to-lean ratio in your beef is essential for the soup’s richness. While lean beef creates a cleaner broth, a slightly fattier mix can add extra flavor. The fat content also determines how greasy the soup will be, so you may want to drain excess fat after browning.
• Beef Broth vs. Stock: If you want to enhance the beef flavor, use beef stock instead of broth. Stock contains more collagen, giving the soup a richer texture. However, broth is lighter and works well if you prefer a more subtle taste.
• Tomato Paste: This is a powerhouse ingredient! It packs a punch of umami that intensifies the soup’s flavor. While it thickens the broth slightly, it also brings a depth that balances out the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Frozen Vegetables: A great shortcut when you’re short on time. Frozen vegetables retain their nutrients and flavors, making them just as good as fresh in most soups.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the broth with an earthy warmth, elevating the flavors of the beef and vegetables. They may seem subtle, but they’re key players in making this soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Expert Tips

• Browning the Beef: Take your time when browning the beef. The caramelization that happens when the beef browns gives the soup a much deeper, richer flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can sometimes be a little tangy, so a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar can balance that acidity. You could also add a small spoonful of tomato paste to boost the depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Texture: If you prefer your vegetables to retain a little more bite, add them closer to the end of the cooking time. This prevents them from getting too mushy.
• Rest Before Serving: Soups often taste better after they’ve had a little time to sit. If you can, let the soup cool slightly and sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. To store, let it cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much.

Recipe Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner alternative, swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. While this will change the flavor, you’ll still have a delicious and hearty soup.
• Add Pasta: For a more filling meal, add some small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo. Add it in the last 10 minutes of simmering so it doesn’t overcook and get mushy.
• Spicy Version: Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce right before serving can also give the soup an extra zing.
• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the ground beef and replace it with lentils, beans, or extra vegetables. You could also use a plant-based protein to keep it meat-free.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to change up the flavor profile. Fresh herbs can be added at the end to maintain their vibrancy.

Final Words

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to meal prep for the week ahead, Campbell Hamburger Soup offers a versatile and comforting solution. It’s an easy recipe that you can make your own, and there’s something about the simplicity of its ingredients that makes it so satisfying. It’s a timeless dish that’s both hearty and delicious, bringing together the humble flavors of beef, vegetables, and broth in a way that warms both body and soul.