Hamburger and Flour Soup

Hamburger and Flour Soup is a hearty, old-fashioned comfort food recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. Ground beef is browned with onions and simmered in a savory broth thickened with a seasoned flour roux, creating a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This budget-friendly recipe is filling, easy to prepare, and ideal for feeding a hungry family.

The combination of tender ground beef, vegetables, and a silky broth makes this soup both comforting and nourishing. Serve it with warm bread or crackers for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple pantry ingredients
• Budget-friendly meal
• Rich and hearty flavor
• Easy one-pot recipe
• Perfect for cold weather
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Ready in about an hour

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield

• 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 pound lean ground beef (hamburger)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Flour Thickener

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Optional Additions

• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup corn kernels
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Ladle

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Hamburger

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for:

6–8 minutes

breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add:

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for:

5–6 minutes

until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add garlic and cook for another:

1 minute

until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in:

• Beef broth
• Water

Add:

• Potatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Worcestershire sauce

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for:

20–25 minutes

or until the potatoes are tender.

Simmering Temperature

• Approximately 190–200°F (88–93°C)

Step 4: Make the Flour Roux

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add flour and whisk continuously for:

2–3 minutes

until smooth and lightly golden.

Temperature

• Medium heat, approximately 300°F (150°C)

This removes the raw flour taste and creates a flavorful thickener.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

Gradually ladle about 1 cup of hot soup broth into the roux while whisking constantly.

This prevents lumps from forming.

Slowly pour the roux mixture back into the soup pot.

Stir well.

Step 6: Final Simmer

Continue simmering for:

5–10 minutes

until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

If using peas or corn, stir them in during the final 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with:

• Crusty bread
• Dinner rolls
• Crackers
• Cornbread

Tips for Success

Brown the Beef Well

Allow the hamburger to develop a rich brown color for maximum flavor.

Cook the Roux Properly

Whisk continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.

Add Broth Slowly

Tempering the roux with hot broth prevents lumps.

Adjust Thickness

For a thicker soup, add an additional tablespoon of flour to the roux.

For a thinner soup, add extra broth.

Variations

Cheesy Hamburger Soup

Stir in:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

during the final few minutes of cooking.

Vegetable Hamburger Soup

Add:

• Green beans
• Peas
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes

for extra nutrition.

Creamy Hamburger Soup

Replace 1 cup of broth with:

• Heavy cream
• Half-and-half

for a richer soup.

Gluten-Free Version

Use:

• Gluten-free flour blend

instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to:

4 days

Freezer

Freeze for up to:

3 months

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Stovetop

Heat over medium-low heat for:

8–10 minutes

stirring occasionally.

Microwave

Heat individual portions for:

2–3 minutes

stirring halfway through.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Potassium: 15% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Flour Soup?

The flour-based roux thickens the broth, giving the soup its distinctive hearty texture and rich body.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.

How do I prevent lumps?

Whisk the roux constantly and slowly add hot broth before combining it with the soup.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. The flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator.

What sides go well with this soup?

Fresh bread, biscuits, cornbread, and simple green salads pair wonderfully with this hearty meal.