This Hamburger Soup is a delightful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with fresh vegetables in a savory tomato broth. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With its hearty ingredients, this soup warms you up and brings comfort on chilly days.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Soup Base
- For the Vegetables
- For Garnish
- How to Make Hamburger Soup
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
- Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Step 3: Add Frozen Vegetables
- Step 4: Taste and Adjust
- Step 5: Serve
- How to Serve Hamburger Soup
- Add a Cheesy Twist
- Pair with Fresh Bread
- Include Fresh Herbs
- Offer Toppings
- How to Perfect Hamburger Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Hamburger Soup
- Reheating Hamburger Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hamburger Soup?
- Can I customize my Hamburger Soup?
- How do I thicken Hamburger Soup?
- Is Hamburger Soup healthy?
- How should I store leftovers of Hamburger Soup?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Hamburger Soup cooks in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: Packed with spices and fresh vegetables, each spoonful bursts with rich flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Customize your soup by adding your favorite veggies or grains to suit your taste preferences.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes this soup filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Hamburger Soup, gather your essential tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or stock pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or stock pot: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overflow.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pot’s surface, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for quick and precise chopping of ingredients, speeding up prep time.
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 the 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, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned with no pink remaining. Break it up as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes followed by the beef broth. Add in diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Frozen Vegetables
Next, stir in the three cups of frozen mixed vegetables. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and all flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your soup. Adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the warm Hamburger Soup into bowls. For an extra kick of flavor, consider sprinkling some Parmesan cheese or shredded cheese on top before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal!
How to Serve Hamburger Soup
Hamburger Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some flair, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.
Add a Cheesy Twist
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a rich and creamy finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup for a nutty flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the hearty broth.
- Garlic Bread: Toast some garlic bread to add a flavorful crunch alongside your soup.
Include Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Basil: Add fresh basil leaves to bring an aromatic touch that brightens the flavors.
Offer Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and balance the soup’s spices.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like heat, provide hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
How to Perfect Hamburger Soup
Perfecting your Hamburger Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep your soup lighter and healthier while still packed with flavor.
- Fresh Vegetables: Incorporating fresh vegetables instead of frozen can enhance the taste and texture of your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can make a big difference.
- Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite more satisfying.
- Experiment with Broth: Try using homemade broth or stock for richer flavor compared to store-bought options.
- Add Beans or Lentils: For added nutrition and texture, consider mixing in beans or lentils as a hearty addition.
Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Hamburger Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup, making it a perfect pairing.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese offers gooey goodness that kids and adults alike will enjoy with their soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Roasted stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies can serve as a hearty side dish that pairs well with the broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall healthiness.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an extra crunch alongside each comforting spoonful of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Hamburger Soup experience. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a bland soup. Always take the time to cook it until it’s fully browned for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Add them at the right time and keep an eye on their texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can result in a flat-tasting soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the overall taste of your Hamburger Soup. Opt for fresh vegetables and quality broth for a richer flavor.
- Not Letting It Simmer: Rushing the simmering process prevents flavors from melding. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 25 minutes for the best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Hamburger Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hamburger Soup
- Portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hamburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hamburger Soup?
Hamburger Soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and spices in a delicious tomato-based broth. It’s both comforting and filling.
Can I customize my Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Experiment with different herbs or even add beans for extra protein.
How do I thicken Hamburger Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the potatoes while cooking or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
Is Hamburger Soup healthy?
Yes! This soup is loaded with nutrients from veggies and lean beef. It’s a balanced meal option that’s also low in calories per serving.
How should I store leftovers of Hamburger Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This comforting Hamburger Soup recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you enjoy it as is or dressed up with toppings, this hearty soup will quickly become a favorite!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintHamburger Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this hearty Hamburger Soup, a delightful blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and spices simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this soup is not only quick to make but also brimming with flavor that the whole family will adore. With its satisfying ingredients like potatoes and mixed veggies, each bowl offers a filling experience that warms you from the inside out. Elevate your dinner routine with this easy one-pot recipe that promises both convenience and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots)
- 5 cups beef broth
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat. Stir in potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
