Hamburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the belly, look no further than this delightful Hamburger Soup. This easy tomato-based soup is packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup? This Hamburger Soup has become a staple in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love the comforting flavors and hearty ingredients in this soup.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully! Enjoy leftovers for lunch or freeze them for another day.
• Nutrient-Packed: Filled with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and mixed vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize it with your favorite spices or vegetables to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple these ingredients are! Everything comes together easily to create a deliciously comforting Hamburger Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups peeled and chopped Yukon yellow potatoes (chopped into small pieces (1/2-inch))
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) beef broth
• 1 can (10 oz) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

Variations

This Hamburger Soup is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this soup.
• Add more veggies: Toss in your favorites like green beans or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat!
• Make it creamy: Stir in some dairy-free cream at the end for a rich, creamy texture.

How to Make Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a soup pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion, garlic, and salt. Breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks ensures even browning and flavor development. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess grease to keep your soup lighter.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, add the chopped potatoes, beef broth, condensed tomato soup, diced tomatoes (don’t drain!), frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and basil into the pot. Stir everything together well. Bringing this mixture to a boil is key; it melds all those delicious flavors. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low to let it simmer.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Let your Hamburger Soup simmer for at least 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows all those wonderful flavors to blend beautifully while thickening up the soup. Keep an eye on it—this is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, take a moment to taste your creation! After simmering, you might find it needs just a bit more salt or seasoning—feel free to adjust according to your personal taste.

Step 5: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months. That way, you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it!

Now that you know how easy it is to create this delicious Hamburger Soup at home, I can’t wait for you to try it! Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy dish!

Pro Tips for Making Hamburger Soup

Making Hamburger Soup is a breeze, but these pro tips will help you elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for leaner meat reduces excess grease in your soup and keeps it healthier without sacrificing flavor.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables with your favorites. Fresh or seasonal vegetables can add a delightful twist and enhance nutrition.

• Simmer longer for deeper flavors: If time allows, let the soup simmer longer than 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Adjust seasoning carefully: Always taste before serving! Adding more salt or herbs can make a significant difference and personalize the flavor profile to suit your palate.

• Make it ahead of time: Preparing this soup a day in advance lets the flavors develop even further, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

How to Serve Hamburger Soup

Serving Hamburger Soup is just as fun as making it! With its hearty ingredients and vibrant colors, you can present this dish to impress family and friends. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the soup.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top creates a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tomato base.
• Croutons or breadsticks: A crunchy topping like croutons not only adds texture but also makes for a satisfying contrast against the warm soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for dipping into your soup, adding both heartiness and satisfaction to your meal.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of Hamburger Soup, refreshing your palate.
• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread brings comfort food vibes and is always a crowd-pleaser alongside any soup.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving a scoop of fluffy rice or quinoa on the side provides additional substance and pairs well with every spoonful of soup.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to enjoy a delightful bowl of Hamburger Soup that warms both heart and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hamburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time during your busy week but also makes it easy to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal at a moment’s notice.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hamburger Soup that might help you out!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hamburger Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may require slightly different seasoning adjustments for flavor.

What can I add to my Hamburger Soup for extra flavor?

You can enhance your Hamburger Soup with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors as well!

How do I make Hamburger Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Hamburger Soup, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully plant-based dish.

Can I make Hamburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This Hamburger Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge or freezer as described above and enjoy it throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Hamburger Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations with me. Happy cooking!