Easy & Delicious Olive Garden Hamburger Soup to Try Tonight!

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s both comforting and delicious, Olive Garden’s Hamburger Soup is the answer. This soul-warming dish blends savory ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, creating a satisfying experience with every spoonful.

Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner option on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this soup is perfect for all occasions.

Inspired by the popular Olive Garden soup, this homemade version is simple to make and just as delicious, with all the flavors you love from the restaurant in the comfort of your own home.

What is Olive Garden Hamburger Soup?

Olive Garden Hamburger Soup is a rich and creamy soup known for its hearty ingredients and satisfying taste. It features tender ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all swimming in a flavorful broth that is both comforting and filling.

The soup is traditionally finished with a dash of cream, which gives it a smooth and velvety texture. What makes this soup unique is the balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, coming from the beef, vegetables, and a careful blend of seasonings.

Although Olive Garden’s recipe has a loyal fanbase, this homemade version allows you to recreate the magic in your own kitchen, adjusting flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.

It’s the ideal dish when you want something both hearty and wholesome, with each bite offering a satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and warmth.

With the flexibility of this recipe, you can make it as creamy or brothy as you like, adjusting the amount of cream or broth to get your desired consistency. It’s no wonder why this soup has become a go-to comfort food for many home cooks—its versatility, flavors, and ease of preparation make it a winner every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Olive Garden Hamburger Soup at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying bowl of comfort.

Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before you start:

• Ground Beef: The star of the soup, ground beef adds flavor and protein. You can use lean or regular ground beef based on your preference.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring a hint of sweetness and color to the soup, balancing the savory elements.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well in this recipe, adding heartiness and substance.
• Onion: A medium onion provides depth and savory flavor when sautéed.
• Celery: Celery adds a subtle crunch and freshness that pairs perfectly with the other vegetables.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves of minced garlic enhance the overall savory flavor of the soup.
• Beef Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, and beef broth gives it a rich, savory foundation. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes provides a bit of acidity and extra flavor complexity to the broth.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, creamy texture, heavy cream is added at the end. You can adjust the amount based on how creamy you want the soup to be.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are key for flavoring the soup. You can also add a bay leaf or thyme for extra depth.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate the delicious, comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Hamburger Soup in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the cooking process!

How to Make Olive Garden Hamburger Soup

Making Olive Garden Hamburger Soup at home is simple and straightforward.

Follow these steps, and in no time, you’ll have a pot of warm, comforting soup to enjoy.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a lot of the base flavor for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to fully cook through.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the soup and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The potatoes will absorb the flavors of the broth, making them a key part of the dish’s heartiness.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Once the potatoes are tender, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream will turn the broth into a luscious, velvety texture that adds richness to the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like a little extra heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another few minutes to fully incorporate the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Olive Garden Hamburger Soup is perfectly seasoned and the vegetables are tender, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with a side of warm bread or a simple salad. The rich, creamy broth, tender beef, and vegetables will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Soup

To make sure your Olive Garden Hamburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that will elevate your dish and ensure the best results:

1. Use Lean Ground Beef for a Healthier Option

While regular ground beef adds more flavor and richness, using lean ground beef (like 90% lean) will reduce the fat content without compromising the soup’s hearty texture. If you want to make it even leaner, consider using ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef.

2. Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step

Sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic before adding the broth and tomatoes is crucial for building depth of flavor. It allows the vegetables to release their natural sugars and meld with the beef, creating a savory base for the soup.

3. Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or let the soup simmer longer to allow the potatoes to break down slightly, thickening the liquid. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or water to reach your desired level of liquid.

4. Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs

If you have fresh herbs on hand, like thyme or rosemary, try adding them during the simmering process. They’ll infuse the broth with even more aromatic flavor. Remove the stems before serving, though!

5. Let it Sit Overnight

Like many soups, this Hamburger Soup tastes even better the next day! Allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator will create a more robust, well-rounded taste. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or cream to return it to the perfect consistency.

6. Experiment with Add-ins

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can add variety to the soup by including ingredients like corn, green beans, or zucchini. Adding spinach or kale at the end of cooking can also boost the nutritional value and bring extra flavor.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Hamburger Soup

This soup is hearty and filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to another level.

Here are some great options to complement the rich flavors of the Olive Garden Hamburger Soup:

1. Warm Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

What’s a soup without some crusty bread to dip? Serve your Hamburger Soup with some warm, buttery garlic bread or classic Olive Garden-style breadsticks. The bread will soak up the creamy broth, adding an irresistible touch to every bite.

2. Fresh Salad

Pair the soup with a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the soup. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons would be perfect. The freshness of the vegetables and the acidity of the dressing will contrast nicely with the creamy soup.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For an extra comforting meal, a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes a perfect side. The melty cheese and crispy bread provide a delicious contrast to the warm, savory soup. You can even try different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for added flavor.

4. Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking to make your meal even heartier, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes are a great choice. The caramelized flavors from roasting complement the soup’s rich broth and add another layer of texture and taste to the meal.

5. Crusty Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls or dinner rolls can be a great option to serve with your Hamburger Soup. You can warm them up and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and herbs for a simple, elegant addition to the meal.

6. A Light White Wine or Iced Tea

For a beverage, a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea with a hint of lemon will balance the rich flavors of the soup.

With these sides, you can easily turn Olive Garden Hamburger Soup into a full meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home.

Nutritional Information

Olive Garden Hamburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, but it’s also important to keep track of the nutritional aspects of the recipe. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients you use (such as the type of ground beef and the amount of cream), but here is a general estimate per serving (based on a recipe that serves about 6):

• Calories: 350-450 calories per serving
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 18-22g
  • Saturated fat: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Fiber: 4-6g
  • Sugars: 5-7g
• Sodium: 600-900mg
• Cholesterol: 50-80mg

Healthier Modifications:

• Low-fat option: Use lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative like half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Lower-carb version: To make it lower in carbs, you can reduce the amount of potatoes or substitute them with cauliflower for a similar texture.
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat or lentils) and vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.

This soup provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Hamburger Soup is the epitome of comfort food – a creamy, hearty dish that blends tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth into one delicious bowl.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or for guests at a gathering, this soup will never disappoint. Plus, it’s so easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.

With its hearty ingredients and versatile flavor profile, this homemade version of Olive Garden Hamburger Soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread or a crisp salad to round out the meal.

So go ahead, make this comforting soup, and enjoy the perfect bowl of warmth!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze Olive Garden Hamburger Soup?

Yes! Olive Garden Hamburger Soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.

2. Can I make this soup without heavy cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. The soup will still be creamy, but slightly less rich.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. The soup will still be delicious, though it might be a little less rich. Adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of olive oil can help boost the flavor.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add a kick of heat, you can stir in red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a bit of hot sauce when sautéing the vegetables. Just be sure to taste as you go to ensure the spice level is to your liking.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or corn to make the soup even heartier. You can also experiment with leafy greens like spinach or kale, which will add flavor and nutrients without compromising the dish’s creamy texture.