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This single serving Hamburger Soup is packed with ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of cooking time, this comforting soup is one you’ll want to make again and again.
For more single serving soup recipes, try my Lentil Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, Lasagna Soup, or Chicken Tortellini Soup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes.
- Full of Flavor: Ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth make every bite satisfying.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed for one serving.
- Comforting & Hearty: A warm, filling meal made with wholesome ingredients.
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and easy to make. This single serving hamburger soup is one of my favorites because it’s simple, satisfying, and made with ingredients I always have on hand. I also love that I can double the ingredients if I want an extra bowl for later!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch hamburger soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and develop their flavor. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its richness, but a lighter olive oil works too.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base for the soup. I use 90/10 ground beef. Extra ground beef? Use it in Cottage Pie, Spaghetti and Meatballs, or Meatloaf.
- Onions and Garlic: These build flavor in the soup. Fresh is best, but if you’re out, you can use 1/8 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder in a pinch.
- Carrot and Green Bell Pepper: Adds natural sweetness and color to the soup. I use a green bell pepper, but red, yellow, or orange work too. Use extra carrots in Lo Mein or Beef Stew. Leftover bell peppers are great for Stuffed Peppers or Vegetable Lasagna.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
- Beef Broth: Forms the base of the soup, giving it a deep, savory flavor.
- Potato: I use a small Yukon Gold potato for its creamy texture and ability to hold its shape.
- Tomato: A Roma tomato works well because of its size, but any similar-sized tomato will do.
- Salt and Pepper: I prefer Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt because it dissolves easily and gives more precise seasoning. Black pepper enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Recipe Variations
Hamburger soup is easy to customize, so make it the way you like!
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra black pepper.
- Low-Carb: Swap the potato for cauliflower or zucchini.
- Extra Hearty: Add cooked rice or small pasta like macaroni.
- More Vegetables: Toss in spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
How To Make Hamburger Soup
These photos and instructions will guide you through making this single serve Hamburger Soup recipe. Scroll down to the recipe box for exact measurements and full instructions.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 3 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil. Stir in the onions, carrots, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and tomato paste, then cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, then add the potatoes, tomatoes, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Ladle into a bowl and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Want to Make Hamburger Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Brown the beef first, then add everything to a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Beef: Let it sear without stirring too much to develop more flavor.
- Evenly Chop Vegetables: This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables before adding broth brings out their natural sweetness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
A warm bowl of hamburger soup is even better with the right side. Here are a few great options:
- Cheddar Biscuits – Buttery and cheesy, perfect for dipping.
- Cornbread – Slightly sweet with a soft, crumbly texture.
- Tomato Salad – A fresh, bright contrast to the hearty soup.
- French Bread – Crisp on the outside, soft inside—great for soaking up the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide a hearty, flavorful soup.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes. To make hamburger soup for two, double all the ingredients and cook in a 3 or 4-quart saucepan.
Yes, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving Hamburger Soup recipe or any One Dish Kitchen recipe please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Hamburger Soup For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil -divided
- 4 ounces lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 small carrot -chopped (about ½ cup chopped carrots)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ½ teaspoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 medium Yukon gold potato -peeled and diced (about ⅔ cup diced potatoes/3 oz)
- 1 Roma tomato -chopped
- grated or shredded Parmesan cheese -optional for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 3 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Stir in the onions, bell pepper, carrots, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and tomato paste, then cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, then add the potatoes, tomatoes, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Ladle into a bowl and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Brown the Beef: Let it sear without stirring too much to develop more flavor.
- Evenly Chop Vegetables: This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables before adding broth brings out their natural sweetness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This is one of my favorite soups because it’s quick to make with ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s also easy to double if I want an extra bowl or to share with my husband.