Description
Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
Add carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Simmer the Soup:
Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add Frozen Veggies:
Mix in corn, peas, and green beans.
Simmer for another 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread!
Warm, Comforting, and Perfect for Cozy Nights! #HamburgerSoup #ComfortFood #EasyMeals
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof, delicious soup. First, ensure all vegetables are prepped before you begin cooking. In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Thoroughly drain the fat and return the pot to the heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the chopped carrots and cook for an additional 4 minutes to soften slightly. Pour in the beef broth, using it to deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits. Add the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it in deep bowls with a slice of warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dipping. For a richer experience, top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness perfectly. It also pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How-to Summary
In summary: Brown the beef and drain the fat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots. Add broth, potatoes, tomatoes, and seasonings, then simmer for 20 minutes. Finally, stir in the frozen corn, peas, and green beans, and simmer for 10 more minutes. Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the onions/garlic first for best flavor, then add everything except the frozen veggies to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add frozen vegetables in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the soup? For a thicker broth, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup during the last 5 minutes of cook time.
What are good ground beef substitutes? Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
How long does it keep in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, the soup will last for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
Can I freeze hamburger soup? Yes, it freezes excellently. Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid skipping the step of draining the fat from the browned beef, as it can make the soup greasy. Do not add the frozen vegetables too early, as they will become mushy. Resist the urge to rapidly boil the soup after adding the potatoes; a gentle simmer prevents them from disintegrating. Finally, do not forget to taste and adjust seasoning just before serving, as flavors concentrate during cooking.
Conclusion
This hearty hamburger soup is the epitome of easy, satisfying comfort food. Packed with wholesome vegetables and savory beef in a rich broth, it’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization. Perfect for meal prep and cozy family dinners, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and simplicity of this delicious, nourishing meal.