If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe is absolutely worth trying. I love this soup because it’s packed with wholesome veggies and two types of lean meat, making it both filling and full of flavor without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or anytime you want something comforting that also sneaks in nutrition effortlessly.
When I first tried this Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe, I was blown away by how all the ingredients come together — each spoonful delivers a little bit of everything: tender potatoes, fresh green beans, savory tomatoes, and that rich blend of ground beef and turkey. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means you can enjoy a homemade dinner any night of the week without fuss. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced flavors: The combination of beef, turkey, fresh veggies, and spices makes every bite bursting with delicious depth.
- Simple prep: You can get this soup started in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Family-friendly: My family goes crazy for this soup — it’s comforting and satisfying for all ages.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily swap vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe calls for everyday ingredients that play really well together, giving you a robust, flavorful meal. When shopping, look for fresh produce and quality ground meats to make sure your soup has the best taste and texture.
- Avocado or Coconut Oil: I like these oils because they handle higher heat well and add a subtle, clean flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a natural sweetness that forms the soup’s flavor base.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives a punch of aroma and depth—don’t skimp on it!
- 85% Lean Ground Beef: Provides richness and classic hamburger flavor without being too greasy.
- 93% Lean Ground Turkey: A great way to lighten the meat while keeping it tender and savory.
- Tomato Paste: Boosts the tomato flavor and adds a lovely thickness.
- Diced Tomatoes (fire roasted preferred): I swear by fire-roasted for that smoky layer of flavor that makes the soup special.
- Celery Stalks: Brings crispness and a subtle earthiness.
- Carrot Stalks: For sweetness and color, carrot adds a nice contrast.
- Fresh Green Beans: They stay tender-crisp when cooked right, adding texture and freshness.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy when cooked and hold their shape well; you can swap in sweet potatoes or parsnips for paleo options.
- Beef Broth: The liquid that ties it all together with rich, savory depth.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the soup with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Sea Salt and Paprika: Essential for seasoning and a touch of smoky warmth.
- Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Cumin: These add layers of flavor to keep the soup interesting.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal fragrance as the soup simmers.
- Optional Toppings (Fresh Chopped Parsley, Avocado Slices): They brighten and add fresh creaminess to each serving.
Variations
I love adapting this Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe depending on what I have in my fridge or the season— it’s super forgiving and perfect for personalizing to your taste.
- Extra Meaty: Sometimes I use a full pound of ground turkey instead of mixing with beef for a leaner version that’s still very flavorful.
- Paleo-Friendly: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips and use coconut oil to make it fit paleo diets without losing richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat that pairs nicely with the smoky paprika.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a satisfying meatless option.
How to Make Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Start
Heat your oil over medium heat in a large soup pot, then toss in the chopped yellow onion. I like to cook the onions until they’re a little translucent and soft — this usually takes about 5 minutes and really builds a savory base. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant; be careful not to burn it because garlic turns bitter fast!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Now it’s time for the ground beef and turkey to hit the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. The key is to let the meat brown nicely — this adds great flavor — so don’t rush this step by stirring too often. When the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat for a leaner soup unless you prefer keeping it rich and untrimmed.
Step 3: Add Veggies, Liquids, and Seasonings
Once the meat is ready, stir in your tomato paste, diced tomatoes, celery, carrots, green beans, potatoes, and the beef broth. Don’t forget all those herbs and spices — Italian seasoning, sea salt, paprika, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and the bay leaves go in now to soak and mingle flavors as the soup simmers.
Step 4: Simmer and Let Those Flavors Develop
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 30 to 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. This simmering is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld beautifully and you get that rich, comforting texture I love.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Garnishes
Before serving, remove the bay leaves, then add a touch of brightness by topping your soup with fresh chopped parsley and creamy avocado slices. These add a fresh pop of color and texture that really make the soup feel special.
Pro Tips for Making Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Brown Meat Thoroughly: I discovered this trick when I stopped stirring too often—the meat browns better and adds rich flavor.
- Don’t Skip Simmer Time: Letting the soup simmer really blends the veggies and spices; it’s worth the wait for deeper flavor.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: It adds a subtle smokiness that takes your soup from ordinary to next-level delicious.
- Avoid Mushy Veggies: Keep an eye on the cooking time to get tender but still slightly firm vegetables—they add great texture.
How to Serve Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and fresh with garnishes like chopped parsley and avocado slices—the parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness, while avocado brings a creamy balance that complements the savory soup perfectly. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with something grain-free like my favorite “corn” bread, or simply a crusty loaf if you want to soak up every bit of the delicious broth. A crisp side salad or some roasted veggies also round out the meal nicely if you’re looking to add more greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls which always impress. Or try layering garnishes like avocado, parsley, and a swirl of sour cream arranged thoughtfully on top to make each serving Instagram-worthy and inviting. It’s a great way to elevate a simple soup without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers and storing it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and I’ve found the flavors actually get better as they mingle overnight!
Freezing
This Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. When I freeze it, I usually leave out the avocado garnishes and add those fresh when reheating. It holds up well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Adding fresh avocado and parsley at serving time keeps that just-made freshness.
FAQs
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Can I make this Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have ground turkey?
You can simply use all ground beef or swap in ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles if preferred. Adjust seasoning slightly as needed to suit the meat substitute.
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Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes very well! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave out any fresh garnishes like avocado to add after reheating.
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How do I avoid mushy vegetables in the soup?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and test the veggies early. Aim for tender but still slightly firm vegetables by simmering for about 30-45 minutes and avoid overcooking.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to add toppings like cheese or sour cream. Use avocado and fresh herbs for creamy, flavorful garnishes instead.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Hamburger Soup Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe collection because it’s one of those dishes that always delivers comfort and satisfaction without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the days ahead, I’m confident you’ll love how it tastes and how easy it is to pull together. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite go-to soup!
PrintLoaded Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Hamburger Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef and turkey, loaded with fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, green beans, and Yukon gold potatoes. Enhanced with fire-roasted diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, this soup simmers to a comforting perfection—ideal for easy, healthy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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 (optional: use up to 1 lb for extra meatiness)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 28-29 oz Diced Tomatoes, fire roasted preferred
- 32 oz Beef Broth
Vegetables
- 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 (alternatives: sweet potatoes or parsnips for paleo)
Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 2 Bay Leaves
Optional Toppings
- Fresh Chopped Parsley
- Avocado Slices
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large soup pot over medium heat, heat the avocado or coconut oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until they turn slightly soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste until evenly combined with the meat. Add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped celery, carrots, green beans, Yukon gold potatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and bay leaves. Mix well.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and avocado slices if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting loaded hamburger soup.
Notes
- This soup pairs wonderfully with grain-free “corn” bread for a complete meal.
- You can substitute ground turkey with all beef if preferred for a richer flavor.
- For a paleo-friendly option, swap Yukon gold potatoes with sweet potatoes or parsnips.
- Adjust seasoning levels to taste, especially salt and spices.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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