Hamburger Soup
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This Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl, loaded with juicy ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for those chilly nights, it’s a cozy, nourishing meal that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Easy Hamburger Soup – Perfect For Chilly Nights
This Hamburger Soup is a staple in my kitchen, bringing together the heartiness of ground beef, the freshness of veggies, and the richness of a savory broth. It’s my go-to for those busy days when I need something both comforting and effortlessly delicious. Trust me, this soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for gathering the family around the table and creating those warm, cherished moments.
- Olive Oil: You can substitute it with any other vegetable oil or even butter for a richer flavor.
- Ground Beef: I used extra lean ground beef. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This trio, known as mirepoix, forms the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Garlic: Offers a punch of flavor. You can sub with garlic powder.
- Diced Tomatoes: They give the soup body and acidity. You can use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce as substitutes.
- Beef Broth: Use low sodium or no sodium added if possible. Chicken or vegetable broth are good alternatives.
- Potatoes: They thicken the soup and add heartiness. Feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes or turnips.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami. Other great alternatives are soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs for flavor. If you don’t have any, you can make your own using my recipe.
- Beef Bouillon: Enhances the meaty flavor. Chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes are good alternatives.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning. Adjust according to your taste.
- Frozen Peas: Add color and sweetness. You can substitute with green beans.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
Let me show you how easy it is to whip up this Hamburger Soup. It’s really straightforward and the result is absolutely delicious. You’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.
First, grab a large pot and warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. You want to break it up with a spatula as it cooks, so it’s evenly crumbled.
Once the beef is browned, throw in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery right into the pot. Cook them until the onion becomes translucent and the other veggies start to soften. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just for about a minute.
Next up, add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning and beef bouillon to the pot. Season this mix with a bit of salt and pepper. Then, bring everything to a boil.
After it’s boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Give it about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness.
Serve With
Hamburger Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad or a light coleslaw can also complement the hearty flavors of the soup. For a heartier meal, you might serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread.
No Knead Bread
Crescent Rolls
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Easy Garlic Bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hamburger Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
Sure thing! You can swap the ground beef for a leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken. Also, consider using low-sodium beef broth and increasing the amount of veggies. Adding more carrots, celery, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale can boost the nutritional value.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If you find the soup too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes right in the pot. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with equal parts water and stir it into the soup, letting it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Beef Well: Take your time browning the ground beef until it develops a deep color. This isn’t just about cooking the meat; it’s about building a rich flavor base for your soup.
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, if you find browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, deglaze it with a splash of the beef broth. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to your soup.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to throw in any additional vegetables you have on hand. Green beans, bell peppers, or corn can add more flavor and nutrition to your soup.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth.
- Herb It Up: Don’t shy away from experimenting with herbs. While Italian seasoning is a great start, adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves can elevate the flavor profile of your soup.
Storage
Allow the soup to come to room temperature first, then transfer it into airtight containers – glass jars or plastic containers work well. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Discover More Delicious Soups
- Red Lentil Chicken Soup
- Black Bean Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Albondigas Soup
- Instant Pot Creamy Potato Sausage Soup
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Hamburger Soup
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4-6 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 2 large potatoes (diced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-2 cubes beef bouillon
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions become translucent and the veggies soften a bit.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute.
- Add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning and beef bouillon. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley, and serve with a side of crusty bread.
Equipment
Notes
- Meat Options: While I used ground beef, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetable Variations: You can easily add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Consider adding green beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Broth Adjustments: For a richer soup, use beef broth, or for a lighter version, chicken or vegetable broth works well. Adjust the amount of broth to your preference for soup thickness.
- Seasoning Tips: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking. Sometimes a little extra pinch of salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can make all the difference.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.