Hamburger Soup: A Hearty & Delicious Recipe

Hamburger Soup: the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out! Imagine a hearty, flavorful broth brimming with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs and spices. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a satisfying and fuss-free dinner.

While the exact origins of Hamburger Soup are a bit murky, its roots likely lie in resourceful home cooking, born from the desire to stretch ingredients and create a nourishing meal for the family. It embodies the spirit of thrifty cooking, transforming simple, readily available ingredients into something truly special. Think of it as a deconstructed hamburger, reimagined as a comforting soup!

What makes this soup so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef, the sweetness of carrots and corn, the slight tang of tomatoes – it’s a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. And let’s not forget the sheer comfort factor. There’s something undeniably soothing about a warm bowl of Hamburger Soup, a culinary hug that nourishes both body and soul. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil (for browning)
• Optional: Cooked macaroni or other small pasta (about 1 cup)
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
• Optional: Sour cream, for topping

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables

1. Prepare your ingredients. Before you even turn on the stove, chop all your vegetables: the onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. This will make the cooking process much smoother. Also, rinse and drain your kidney and great northern beans. Having everything prepped and ready to go is key to a stress-free cooking experience!
2. Brown the ground beef. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
3. Sauté the aromatics. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions become translucent and the peppers are slightly tender. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
4. Add the carrots and celery. Stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. These vegetables take a little longer to cook than the onions and peppers, so we add them now to give them a head start.

Building the Soup Base

1. Incorporate the tomatoes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The tomatoes form the heart of our soup base, providing a rich and flavorful foundation.
2. Add the broth and beans. Pour in the beef broth, kidney beans, and great northern beans. Stir everything together to ensure the beans are evenly distributed throughout the soup. The beef broth adds depth of flavor, while the beans contribute protein and fiber.
3. Season the soup. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts to your liking! Taste the soup later and add more seasoning if needed.

Simmering and Finishing Touches

1. Simmer the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add the frozen vegetables. Stir in the frozen corn and frozen peas. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Adding the frozen vegetables towards the end ensures they don’t become mushy.
3. Optional: Add pasta. If you’re using pasta, add it now and cook according to package directions until tender. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away! So, start with a little and adjust as needed.
5. Serve and enjoy! Ladle the hamburger soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

• Use quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Opt for lean ground beef and high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Don’t skip the sautéing step. Sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquids helps to develop their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
• Simmer, simmer, simmer! The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Don’t rush the process!
• Customize to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. You can also substitute different types of beans or pasta.
• Make it ahead of time. Hamburger soup is a great make-ahead meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add a touch of sweetness. A teaspoon of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Use fresh herbs. If you have fresh oregano, basil, or thyme on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
• Make it vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Thicken the soup. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Variations on Hamburger Soup

• Spicy Hamburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Italian Hamburger Soup: Add Italian sausage instead of ground beef and use Italian seasoning instead of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Mexican Hamburger Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and use chili powder and cumin instead of oregano, basil, and thyme. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
• Creamy Hamburger Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy soup.
• Low-Carb Hamburger Soup: Omit the pasta and add cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of pesto.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pack it in a thermos for a warm and comforting lunch.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze hamburger soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat hamburger soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Conclusion:

This Hamburger Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe you’ll find yourself making it again and again. The hearty combination of browned ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes and textures that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to customize. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel good, inside and out.

But what truly elevates this soup to must-try status is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – add some chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of green beans for extra nutrients and flavor. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. And if you’re looking to lighten things up, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth, is always a welcome addition. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang, while a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese provides a comforting, familiar flavor. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad. And don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of elegance.

Beyond the basics, consider these variations:

* Creamy Hamburger Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, more decadent soup.
* Italian Hamburger Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
* Spicy Southwestern Hamburger Soup: Incorporate a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a dash of cumin for a Southwestern flair. Top with avocado and cilantro.
* Low-Carb Hamburger Soup: Omit the potatoes and corn, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli for a low-carb option.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a casual gathering with friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying bowl of Hamburger Soup. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking!