Hamburger Soup: Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? Imagine a hearty, flavorful broth brimming with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and the satisfying warmth that only a homemade soup can provide. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
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 ground beef and utilize readily available vegetables. It embodies the spirit of thrifty and delicious meals passed down through generations. Think of it as a cousin to classic vegetable beef soup, but with a distinctly heartier and more satisfying profile.
People adore this soup for its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet carrots, tender potatoes, and other vegetables creates a symphony of textures and tastes that appeals to everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices to make it your own signature dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich, savory broth and hearty ingredients make it a truly satisfying and nourishing meal.
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Preparing the Hamburger Soup:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease. It’s important to get a good sear on the beef, as this adds a lot of flavor to the soup. Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the beef in batches. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these are packed with flavor and will deglaze the pot nicely.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the soup a bitter taste. If the vegetables start to stick to the bottom of the pot, add a tablespoon or two of beef broth to deglaze the pot.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, frozen corn, frozen peas, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure all the vegetables are submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
- 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 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to do other things around the house while the soup is simmering away. Just be sure to check on it occasionally to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt to taste. Remember that the beef broth and canned tomatoes already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can also add other seasonings to your liking, such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Serving the Hamburger Soup:
- Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the hot hamburger soup into bowls. Make sure to get a good mix of vegetables and beef in each bowl.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, if desired. These toppings add a nice creamy texture and a burst of fresh flavor to the soup. Other topping options include a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! This hamburger soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also a great make-ahead meal, as the flavors only get better with time.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Different Types of Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. You could even use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach. If adding potatoes, dice them into small pieces so they cook through evenly. If adding spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking so it doesn’t become too wilted.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup for a little heat. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to each bowl.
- Use Different Beans: You can substitute other types of beans for the kidney beans and great northern beans, such as pinto beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
- Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or rice during the last few minutes of cooking. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well. You can also use cooked brown rice or white rice.
- Slow Cooker Option: This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in steps 1 and 2. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Freezing Instructions: Hamburger soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add a can of lentils for added protein.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more beef broth or water.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle but important flavor to the soup. Be sure to remove it before serving.
Detailed Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: I prefer to use lean ground beef (90% lean) to minimize the amount of grease in the soup. However, you can use any type of ground beef you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
- Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to for this soup, but you can also use white or red onions.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
- Bell Peppers: I like to use a combination of green and red bell peppers for color and flavor, but you can use any color bell pepper you prefer.
- Beef Broth: I recommend using low-sodium beef broth so you can control the amount of salt in the soup.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes add a nice texture to the soup. You can also use tomato puree or tomato paste.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce helps to thicken the soup and add flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add chunks of tomato to the soup. I like to use diced tomatoes with juice, but you can also use diced tomatoes that have been drained.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add a hearty texture and flavor to the soup. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
- Great Northern Beans: Great Northern beans are another type of white bean that adds a creamy texture to the soup. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
- Frozen Corn and Peas: Frozen corn and peas are a convenient way to add vegetables to the soup. You can also use fresh or canned corn and peas.
- Carrots and Celery: Carrots and celery add a classic vegetable flavor to the soup.
- Dried Herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme add a warm and savory flavor to the soup. You can also use fresh herbs, but you’ll need to use about three times as much.
- Bay Leaf: A bay leaf
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 that once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. The hearty combination of browned ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings and leaves you feeling completely nourished.
But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its incredible versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth and adjust the seasoning accordingly. And for a vegetarian twist, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
The possibilities are endless! Serve this Hamburger Soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. And for a complete meal, pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or some warm cornbread.
Looking for variations? Try adding different vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or spinach. A can of diced tomatoes with green chilies will give it a Southwestern kick. And if you’re a fan of pasta, stir in some cooked macaroni or ditalini during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make it Your Own:
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking it’s all about creativity and personal expression. I encourage you to tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, and add your own special touch.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, straightforward, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and create a wholesome and satisfying meal for your family.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible 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 share your thoughts, comments, and photos. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you would change. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll enjoy. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you love this soup!
Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Hearty and flavorful Hamburger Soup with ground beef, vegetables, and beans in a rich tomato broth. Comforting and easy to make.
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, frozen corn, frozen peas, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- 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 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt to taste.
- Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the hot hamburger soup into bowls.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Beans: Substitute other beans like pinto, black, or cannellini beans.
- Pasta/Rice: Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.
- Slow Cooker: Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Freezing: Cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian: Omit ground beef and use vegetable broth. Add lentils for protein.
- Consistency: Mash some beans or use an immersion blender for a thicker soup. Add more broth for a thinner soup.
- Bay Leaf: Don’t skip the bay leaf for added flavor. Remove before serving.
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