Hamburger Soup

Hamburger Soup is a rich and hearty dish made with ground beef, an array of vegetables, and a savory tomato-based broth. This comforting recipe is perfect for cold nights, meal prepping, or when you need a wholesome, filling meal. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, quick preparation, and versatile ingredients, making it a favorite among families.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients.
• Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or make it gluten-free or dairy-free.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup Pot or Stock Pot: To cook the soup evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.

Why These Tools are Important

• A good pot ensures the soup doesn’t burn or stick while simmering.
• Using a wooden spoon prevents scratching the pot and makes stirring easier.
• Sharp knives speed up prep work and ensure consistent vegetable sizes.

Preparation Tips

1. Pre-chop Ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, and potatoes beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
2. Choose Lean Ground Beef: This reduces the need to drain excess fat, making the soup lighter.
3. Thaw Frozen Vegetables: While not necessary, thawing can help them cook faster.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Hamburger Soup:

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and aromatics.
• 1 pound ground beef: Provides protein and richness.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 stalk celery, diced: Contributes a subtle crunch and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory aroma.

Vegetables and Liquids

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds heartiness and texture.
• 5 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juice: For a tangy, rich tomato flavor.
• 8 ounces tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and adds depth.
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots): Provides color, texture, and nutrients.

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herby notes.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the soup.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

• Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized soup or stock pot over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic.
• Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
• Drain any excess fat from the pot.

2. Add Potatoes and Broth

• Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add Frozen Vegetables

• Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
• Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, and the flavors meld together.

4. Taste and Adjust

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt and pepper as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
• Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Soup is versatile and pairs well with many sides, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving ideas:

1. Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
2. Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food combination.
4. Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over rice or quinoa for added heartiness.
5. Cornbread: A slice of moist cornbread complements the soup beautifully.
6. Mashed Potatoes: For a creative twist, ladle the soup over creamy mashed potatoes.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Serve a side of tangy pickles or pickled veggies for a zesty kick.
8. Cheese Crackers: Offer cheese crackers for a crunchy and cheesy addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Not Draining the Fat from the Beef
   • Problem: Excess grease can make the soup overly oily.
   • Solution: Always drain the fat after browning the beef.
2. Overcooking the Vegetables
   • Problem: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their texture.
   • Solution: Add the frozen vegetables towards the end of cooking and monitor closely.
3. Skipping the Seasoning Adjustment
   • Problem: Underseasoned soup may taste bland.
   • Solution: Taste the soup before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Worcestershire sauce.
4. Using Low-Quality Beef Broth
   • Problem: A bland broth can affect the overall flavor.
   • Solution: Use a high-quality beef broth or make your own for the best flavor.
5. Not Cutting Ingredients Uniformly
   • Problem: Unevenly cut potatoes and vegetables can result in inconsistent cooking.
   • Solution: Dice ingredients into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
6. Overcrowding the Pot
   • Problem: Adding too many ingredients can make the soup too thick and difficult to cook evenly.
   • Solution: Stick to the recipe proportions or use a larger pot if scaling up.
7. Forgetting to Stir Regularly
   • Problem: Ingredients can stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
   • Solution: Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers.

Side Dish Recommendations

To elevate your meal, consider these 8 perfect side dishes that complement Hamburger Soup:

1. Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and croutons with a creamy Caesar dressing.
2. Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls perfect for soaking up the soup’s flavorful broth.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips for added veggies.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes: A naturally sweet and satisfying side dish.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mini peppers filled with rice and cheese for a colorful accompaniment.
6. Herb-Garlic Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits infused with garlic and herbs.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Light and crispy fritters add a fun texture to your meal.
8. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta with a hint of Parmesan pairs beautifully with the soup’s rich flavors.

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Hamburger Soup

This hearty Hamburger Soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and spices in a rich tomato-based broth. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 269kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 1 stalk celery diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
• 5 cups beef broth
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables corn, green beans, and carrots mix

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics:

• In a medium-sized soup or stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot.

Add Potatoes and Broth:

• Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.

Add Frozen Vegetables:

• Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.

Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Lean Beef Tip: Use lean ground beef to minimize grease, or ensure to drain the fat after browning the beef for a lighter soup.
Storage:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Topping Ideas: Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, or fresh herbs like parsley make great finishing touches.