Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup
Juicy pan-seared beef burgers served alongside a rich and creamy tomato soup, perfect for a cozy meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Form into four equal patties, about 4 inches in diameter.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 diced medium onion. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream until the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Serve the burgers hot with a generous bowl of the creamy tomato soup on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Burgers with Creamy Tomato Soup?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
