Every chilly evening, my kitchen turns into a cozy place. The smell of hearty hamburger soup makes everyone come to the kitchen. It’s a special tradition that warms our hearts and bellies.
This easy hamburger soup is ready in about 35 minutes. It’s great for big gatherings or cozy family dinners. It’s made with ground beef, veggies, and spices, making it tasty and healthy.
Let’s explore this comforting recipe together. Whether you want a warm-up soup or a hearty dish for friends, there’s lots to learn!
What is Hamburger Soup?
Hamburger soup is a tasty dish made with ground beef and veggies in a rich broth. It’s also called “poor man’s soup” or “vegetable soup.” This meal is comforting and can use many different ingredients.
When I make it, I add onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and potatoes. This mix makes the soup filling and healthy for any meal.
This soup is great because you can use leftover veggies. It’s easy to make, taking about 30 minutes. Each serving has 247 kcal and tastes amazing.
This soup uses lean ground beef, veggies, and broth. It serves 4-6 people. Its warm smell and taste make it perfect for family dinners.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 247 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 490 mg |
| Potassium | 678 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Vitamin A | 1726 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 33 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Soup
To make a tasty hamburger soup, you need the right stuff. This recipe mixes fresh veggies with yummy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 to 1 1/3 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (from 1 small onion or 1/2 large onion)
- 2 stalks diced celery
- 2 large diced carrots
- 1 diced sweet bell pepper
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- Optional: 1/2 cup red wine
- Optional: 1 cup elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
These ingredients make the soup hearty and tasty. It cooks in about 50 minutes. Prep time is just 10 minutes. It’s easy and rewarding to make.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup
Making homemade hamburger soup is easy. It’s a comforting dish for any meal. You can make it in under 45 minutes.
- Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced cloves of garlic in a large pot. Drain any extra fat to avoid greasiness.
- Then, add 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, 3.5 cups of beef broth, 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 bay leaf. Let it simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- After simmering, add your favorite veggies like 3 sliced carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and fresh or canned French-cut green beans. Simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are soft.
This hearty soup feeds about 8 people and is great for busy days. It’s full of flavor and can be made with different veggies. Serve it hot with bread and a salad for a full meal.
Tips for a Savory Hamburger Soup
Creating a savory hamburger soup is all about the details. These tips will help you make a delicious and healthy soup:
- Add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a great smell and taste.
- Try adding more Worcestershire sauce or a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer taste in your soup.
- Adding tomato paste can make the soup thicker and more filling.
These tips will make your hamburger soup more satisfying and tasty. Your family will love it. Each bowl will be full of yummy flavors, making mealtime fun.
Variations of Homemade Hamburger Soup
Homemade hamburger soup can be made in many ways. This makes it perfect for every family. You can change the flavors and ingredients to make it better. Adding more veggies or pasta makes it even better.
Vegetable Options
Adding different veggies makes the soup colorful and healthy. Try using:
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Corn
- Mushrooms
These veggies add taste and help clean your fridge. You can make the soup your own!
Adding Pasta for Extra Heartiness
Adding pasta makes the soup more filling. You can use:
- Macaroni
- Rotini
- Small pasta shells
Cook pasta separately. Then add it to the soup just before eating. This makes the soup more satisfying for everyone.
Serving Suggestions for Best Hamburger Soup
I love to serve hamburger soup with a crisp green salad. It makes the soup even better. The salad’s freshness is a great match for the soup’s hearty taste.
Crusty bread or homemade garlic butter bread is also great. Dipping it in the soup makes the meal even more satisfying. Grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor and color that goes well with the soup.
Leftovers of hamburger soup are perfect for later. They taste even better after a day in the fridge. This means you can enjoy it all week long.
| Serving Suggestions | Description |
|---|---|
| Crisp Green Salad | A refreshing side to balance the rich flavors of the soup. |
| Crusty Bread | Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. |
| Garlic Butter Bread | Adds a savory aroma and taste to the meal. |
| Grilled Vegetables | Brings a smoky flavor that complements the soup. |
| Cheese Topping | A sprinkle of cheese can enhance the richness of the soup. |
Storage and Freezing Hamburger Soup
I keep my hamburger soup fresh by storing it right. I put it in an airtight container. This way, it stays good for up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing is also a great option. I divide the soup into freezer bags. This makes it easy to reheat later. It stays fresh for about three months in the freezer.
Before freezing, I leave some space at the top. This lets the soup expand as it freezes. Vacuum sealing helps even more, but it takes a bit of the bag.
Thawing it in the fridge overnight is best. Other ways might take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size.
These storage tips help me enjoy hamburger soup for a long time. Whether it’s fresh or from the freezer, I always have a warm meal ready.
Benefits of Making Healthy Hamburger Soup
Making homemade hamburger soup is a tasty way to get important nutrients. It’s full of veggies, which are good for your health. Carrots, celery, and sweet potatoes add fiber and vitamins.
This soup is also good for different diets. Using 90-93% lean ground beef keeps it tasty and healthy. Garlic and thyme add flavor and help fight inflammation.
Homemade hamburger soup is more than just food. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to store. It’s perfect for busy days because it’s quick to make. You get a healthy meal without losing flavor.
