Hamburger soup (with ground beef and veggies)

When you think of “hamburger soup,” you might picture a humble, hearty bowl of ground beef and vegetables—simple comfort food, no fuss. And that’s exactly where it began. Originating in mid-20th century North America, this dish became popular in homes, cafeterias, and mess halls as a budget-friendly way to stretch ground beef into a full, satisfying meal. Traditionally made with pantry staples and basic spices, it was the kind of recipe passed down through generations for its ease and nourishment.

Today, I’m sharing a modern, nutrient-rich twist on the classic: a gluten-free hamburger soup packed with vibrant vegetables, high-quality protein, gut-supportive ingredients, and a flavor profile that’s anything but basic.

Why This Hamburger Soup Supports Women’s Health?This isn’t just any soup—it’s a functional meal in a bowl. With over 2 pounds of high-quality protein (ground beef or your choice of lamb, pork, or chicken), it supports muscle maintenance, hormone production, and satiety. Here's why it truly shines for women’s health:

• Collagen + Protein: If you use bone broth instead of water, this soup becomes a natural source of collagen—essential for skin, joints, gut lining, and hormonal repair.

• Fiber-Rich Veggies: Sweet potatoes and the colorful mix of corn, peas, carrots, and green beans provide gut-supportive fiber, antioxidants, and slow-digesting carbs to help stabilize blood sugar.

• Anti-inflammatory Spices: Garlic, onion, paprika, and jalapeño bring warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits, aiding digestion and metabolic function.

• Lemon Juice & Fish Sauce: Not just for flavor—lemon enhances mineral absorption, while fish sauce adds natural umami and trace minerals beneficial for hormonal balance.

This soup also follows a rainbow food philosophy—a visual cue that your body is getting diverse nutrients from a range of plant colors, each playing a unique role in hormone detox, antioxidant defense, and immune support.

Traditional versions often include noodles or processed ingredients, but this updated recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. It’s easy to customize based on your needs—use what you have in the fridge, add greens, or swap beef for poultry if you prefer.

This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for meal prep, recovery from a cold, or hormone reset plans. It freezes well, tastes even better the next day, and pairs beautifully with a slice of homemade socca (chickpea flatbread)—rich in plant-based protein and fiber.

RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2.3 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground pork, lamb, or chicken)

• 1 cup chopped red onion

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 1 lb sweet potato, peeled and diced small

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 Tbsp your favorite gluten-free meat or veggie seasoning

• 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 Tbsp fish sauce

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 7 cups vegetable or meat broth (or water)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for about 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

2. Stir in the dry spices, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and mixed vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes to build flavor.

3. Add broth, fish sauce, and lemon juice. Stir well, then crumble in the ground beef.

4. Let everything simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are fully developed.

5. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or spice as needed. For extra heat, sprinkle chili flakes when serving.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

7. Serve hot with homemade socca (chickpea flatbread) for a nourishing, balanced meal.

As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.

Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation. 

In good health,

Ioana