Mennonite Hamburger Soup Recipe – Easy & Homemade Food

Mennonite hamburger soup is a comforting, budget-friendly soup that combines savory ground beef, garden-fresh vegetables, and rich tomato broth into one satisfying bowl. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this soup delivers on flavor, ease, and nostalgia.

Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples, it’s the ideal weeknight meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this classic Mennonite dish has captured hearts (and stomachs!) across generations.

What Is Mennonite Hamburger Soup?

What’s in a name? Mennonite hamburger soup sounds like a curious mash‑up—hamburger in a soup? Is it soup with a side of fries? Or a sandwich dunked into broth? Well, it’s none of those, and everything you’d hope for in a cozy, stick‑to‑your‑ribs meal.

Picture an Amish or Mennonite kitchen: steaming pots on wood‑burning stoves, homegrown veggies, and hearty ground beef bubbling away. The name likely comes from the simplicity of cooking ground “hamburger” meat in a family soup pot, combined with Mennonite ingenuity. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” right? So grab a ladle, and let’s honor tradition—try this recipe today!

Key Ingredients for Mennonite Hamburger Soup

To make this mennonite hamburger soup recipe, you’ll need:

1. 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2. 1 medium onion, diced
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
5. 2 stalks celery, diced
6. 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
7. 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
8. 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
9. 4 cups beef broth (homemade or low‑sodium store‑bought)
10. 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
11. 1 tsp dried thyme
12. 1 bay leaf
13. Salt & pepper, to taste
14. Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, sour cream

Pro Tip: For a mennonite vegetable soup spin, add 1 cup frozen mixed veggies in the final simmer.

How to Make Mennonite Hamburger Soup

Mennonite Hamburger Soup

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• Author: Ruthie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and comforting soup made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tomato-beef broth, perfect for cozy meals or feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, sour cream

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break up with a spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking another 3 minutes.
4. Stir in diced potatoes, tomatoes (with juice), condensed tomato soup, and beef broth.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30–35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheddar, parsley, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a Mennonite vegetable soup variation, add 1 cup frozen mixed veggies during the final simmer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mennonite

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Why You’ll Love This Mennonite Hamburger Soup

• Hearty Highlight: Each spoonful is loaded with tender beef, chunky potatoes, and crisp carrots, all swimming in a savory tomato‑beef broth.
• Cost‑Saving Comfort: Ground beef is wallet‑friendly, and you can stretch one pound into up to eight servings—perfect for feeding hungry families or meal‑prep enthusiasts.
• Flavorful Finishes: Top your bowl with fresh parsley, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Consider swapping in fresh herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to make it your own.

Compared to a classic hamburger soup recipe, this Mennonite version leans into simplicity and garden‑fresh veggies—think mennonite vegetable soup meets hearty beef. If you love this, explore our twist on Mennonite farmer sausage soup for another satisfying bowl. Ready to warm up your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

What to Serve Mennonite Hamburger Soup With

• Fresh bread: Crusty sourdough, warm dinner rolls, or homemade Mennonite Paska for dipping.
• Simple side salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
• Grilled cheese: A gooey sandwich pairs perfectly—try cheddar or pepper jack.
• Drink pairing: A light amber ale or a hot cup of mannish vegetable tea—we love a foamy latte on the side!

Explore more sides and drink ideas on our Pinterest boards for amish soups: Old Plain Recipes on Pinterest.

Top Tips for Perfecting Mennonite Hamburger Soup

• Meat swap: Ground turkey or chicken work in a pinch—but ground beef delivers the classic flavor.
• Veggie variations: Add a handful of frozen peas, green beans, or corn in the last 5 minutes for extra color and nutrition.
• Broth boost: Use homemade stock (beef or vegetable) for richer depth. Store‑bought is fine—just taste for salt.
• Timing: If you’re in a rush, cut potatoes into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
• Flavor meld: Let the soup rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving; flavors deepen.

For a spicy twist, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce—though traditional amish soups tend to stay mild!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion into freezer‑safe bags or containers, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight (if frozen). Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if too thick. Microwave individual bowls on medium power, stirring halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it a hamburger soup recipe or a cherished mennonite hamburger soup, this homestyle dish is proof that humble ingredients can yield extraordinary comfort. It’s perfect for cold nights, big gatherings, or meal prepping. From its Mennonite roots to your dining table, it’s a bowlful of history, heart, and hearty flavor.

Hungry for more? Check out our other Mennonite classics:

• Mennonite Paska Recipe
• Mennonite New Year’s Cookies
• Mennonite Easter Bread
• Mennonite Cabbage Potato Kielbasa Bake

And don’t forget to follow us on Medium for seasonal inspiration!

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