When the weather turns cold and you’re looking for a meal that’ll warm you up without hours of work in the kitchen, this hamburger vegetable soup is exactly what you need. Between busy schedules, after-school activities, and general life chaos, finding time to make a proper home-cooked dinner can feel impossible some days. That’s why I love this soup – it combines simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, comes together in one pot, and leaves you with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your family’s diet without any complaints.
Ingredient Substitutions
Minced beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option. These substitutes maintain a similar texture and protein content while reducing saturated fat. Adjust cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook faster than beef. Chicken stock can be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, maintaining a savory base flavor. Use the same amount of vegetable broth as chicken stock. Frozen vegetable mix can be substituted with fresh, seasonal vegetables for enhanced flavor and nutrition. Choose a variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, and adjust cooking time to ensure proper tenderness. Use approximately the same volume of fresh vegetables as the frozen mix called for in the recipe.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 1 onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 4 cups water
- 2 packets dry onion soup mix
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup small elbow pasta (cooks quickly in the soup)
- 1 can tomato sauce (I use Hunt’s)
- 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 stalks celery (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s browned all over.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Once browned, remove the pan from heat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large stockpot, combine the broth, water, and onion soup mix.
Stir in the tomato sauce until everything is well mixed.
This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Macaroni
Add chopped celery, diced onion, frozen vegetables, and macaroni to the stockpot.
Mix to ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the macaroni is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the macaroni is done, add the browned ground beef to the stockpot.
Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your hearty meal!
