There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a bowl! And my hamburger soup brings a unique flavor profile that’s both hearty and satisfying, thanks to the combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the aroma filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. It quickly became a favorite, and no matter how many batches I make, there’s never a drop left! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat for cozy dinners and chilly nights.
Ingredients for Hamburger Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Prepare Hamburger Soup
Preparing my delicious hamburger soup is a straightforward process that comes together beautifully. First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant—this is where the magic starts! Next, add in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
After the beef is nice and brown, it’s time to incorporate the diced carrots and celery. Let these cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the veggies to soften and mingle with that lovely beef flavor. Now, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows all those flavors to develop and blend beautifully.
Finally, add in the frozen mixed vegetables and let the soup cook for an additional 10 minutes. This last step not only adds color but also a delightful crunch to the hearty soup. Once done, it’s ready to serve up! You’ll find that each bowl is packed full of warmth and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided general estimates for calories and macros, precise nutritional data for my hamburger soup isn’t provided. I always encourage you to check the labels of your products for the most accurate information. It’s all about making the best choices for you and your family!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Hearty and filling, making it a complete meal in a bowl.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Great for leftovers; the flavors deepen even more the next day.
- A family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Tips for Success with Hamburger Soup
To really elevate your hamburger soup, I’ve got a few pro tips that have made all the difference in my kitchen. First off, don’t skimp on the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can truly enhance the flavors, but you can also play around with spices like paprika or a dash of cayenne for a kick. If you’re looking to add depth, consider using beef bouillon cubes instead of regular broth—trust me, the flavor is divine!
If you want to make this dish even heartier, feel free to add beans, like kidney or black beans, for extra protein and fiber. And for a twist, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—just be sure to adjust the cooking time since poultry cooks faster!
Also, when it comes to the vegetables, fresh is always best, but frozen mixed veggies are a great shortcut and still nutritious. Just remember to add them closer to the end of the cooking process to keep that vibrant color and crunch. Lastly, don’t forget to let the soup simmer a bit longer if you can—those extra minutes allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious!
Variations of Hamburger Soup
The beauty of my hamburger soup is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a heartier version, add a can of drained beans—like kidney or black beans—for an extra protein boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some corn or diced bell peppers to add a pop of color and sweetness. You can also experiment with spices; a teaspoon of chili powder or some smoked paprika can give it a delicious twist!
Don’t forget about the greens! Tossing in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking not only adds nutrition but also a lovely vibrant hue. And if you want to make it a bit more comforting, consider adding some small pasta or rice for a filling meal. The options are endless, so have fun with it and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Soup
When it comes to serving my hearty hamburger soup, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying. A crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping, soaking up all that delicious broth. You might even want to slather it with a bit of butter—yum! For a lighter option, a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread for that extra touch of comfort. Trust me, these pairings make for a complete, cozy meal that your family will adore!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious hamburger soup, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
When it’s time to reheat, you can easily do so on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely—heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Just like a cozy hug, this soup will taste just as good the second time around!
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Hamburger Soup: Savor Hearty Comfort in One Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful hamburger soup packed with vegetables and ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Incorporate ground beef; cook until browned.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hamburger soup, beef soup, hearty soup
