This Hamburger Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep. Packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices in a rich tomato broth, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup shines in its flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This Hamburger Soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: With ground beef and potatoes, this soup is sure to keep you full and satisfied.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The combination of beef and tomatoes makes this soup appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Hamburger Soup, having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or stock pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This allows for even cooking while providing ample space for all your ingredients to simmer together.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring you mix all flavors well.
Ingredients
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.
For the Soup Base
- 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
For Vegetables
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, and carrots mix)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a medium-sized soup pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef along with the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned with no pink remaining. As it cooks, break up the meat into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the diced potatoes along with the beef broth. Add in the diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until everything starts blending together.
Step 3: Add Frozen Vegetables
After that time has passed, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the potatoes tender and all flavors well melded together.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Once done simmering, taste your Hamburger Soup. Adjust seasonings by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling some Parmesan cheese or shredded cheese on top before serving warm. Enjoy!
How to Serve Hamburger Soup
Serving Hamburger Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some great serving ideas.
Garnish with Cheese
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory touch.
- Shredded cheddar: Melting cheddar on top creates a rich flavor contrast.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color.
- Basil: A few basil leaves can enhance the soup’s aroma and taste.
Serve with Bread
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping, crusty bread complements the soup’s hearty nature.
- Garlic bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully for added flavor.
Create a Soup Bar
- Toppings station: Offer toppings like sour cream, diced onions, and croutons for customization.
- Bread options: Provide different types of bread for guests to choose from.
How to Perfect Hamburger Soup
Making the best Hamburger Soup involves a few simple tips that can enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some key suggestions.
- Use lean beef: Opting for lean ground beef minimizes grease and keeps the soup lighter.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporating additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini boosts nutrition and flavor.
- Season well: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance.
- Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Store properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Hamburger Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that provides a crunchy contrast to the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness alongside the rich soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can add an extra layer of heartiness while complementing the soup’s flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and textures to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit and can be dipped into the soup as well!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hamburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can result in a lack of flavor. Always cook until no pink remains and the meat is well-browned.
Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and additional herbs if necessary.
Ignoring ingredient sizes: Cutting vegetables into uneven sizes can cause uneven cooking. Aim for uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can ruin the soup’s flavor. Opt for a good-quality beef broth for the best results.
Overcooking vegetables: Cooking frozen vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking for a nice texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing Hamburger Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hamburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hamburger Soup that can help you perfect your dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hamburger Soup?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative! It will change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious soup.
How do I make Hamburger Soup thicker?
To thicken Hamburger Soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Can I add more vegetables to Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor.
What are some good toppings for Hamburger Soup?
Great options include shredded cheese, fresh herbs like parsley, or even croutons for added texture.
How long does Hamburger Soup last in the fridge?
Hamburger Soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Soup recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Give it a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep!
PrintHamburger Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This hearty soup features tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful blend of spices simmered in a rich tomato broth.
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
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables and let simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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