Hamburger Soup

Hamburger Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Bowl of Goodness 🍲🥩✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hamburger soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. This classic comfort food combines juicy ground beef with fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this hamburger soup recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering quality ingredients is key to making the best hamburger soup. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and juiciness)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white onions work great)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred to control saltiness)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices for extra liquid)
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup for sweetness)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (adds wonderful texture)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut (fresh or frozen both work)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or try Italian seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (fresh thyme works too if available)
• Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the meat)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds nice color)

For more ground beef inspiration, check out our ground beef and potatoes recipe that’s equally comforting!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is nicely browned (about 5-7 minutes) and the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it! Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all their juices) and beef broth, stirring well to combine all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing and it adds incredible depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add all those nutritious vegetables! Add the carrots, celery, green beans, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. The vegetables should be submerged in the liquid – if not, add a bit more broth or water. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight bite. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you love vegetable-packed meals, you might enjoy our slow cooker lemon herb chicken and rice recipe too!

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking (test a carrot piece – it should be tender but not mushy), taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly thicken and concentrate the flavors. Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The vibrant green adds a lovely pop of color and freshness!

4. Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

• Use fresh vegetables when possible for the best texture and flavor, though frozen work in a pinch.
• Brown the beef well – don’t just gray it! Proper browning creates deeper, richer flavors.
• Adjust broth thickness – like it thicker? Simmer longer uncovered. Prefer it brothier? Add more liquid.
• Make it ahead – like most soups, this tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
• Try different herbs – rosemary or basil can add interesting flavor variations.

5. Variations to Try

This hamburger soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and what you have on hand:

• Cheesy Hamburger Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before serving for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic.
• Vegetable Swap: Use potatoes (like in our creamy garlic potatoes), corn, or peas for variety.
• Italian Style: Add 1/2 cup small pasta and some Italian seasoning.
• Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of herbs, add black beans and corn.

6. Serving Suggestions

This hearty hamburger soup is delicious on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese on top
• A dollop of sour cream for extra richness
• For dessert, try our lemon raspberry cookies!

7. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve over time! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze hamburger soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great lighter alternative. You might want to add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for more depth of flavor.

How can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

What other vegetables can I add? Almost any hearty vegetable works! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, potatoes, or even some chopped spinach at the end.

9. Conclusion

This hamburger soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for weekend family meals. The versatility means you can adapt it based on what’s in your pantry, and it makes excellent leftovers too. For more delicious recipes, explore our breakfast ideas or dessert recipes. If you’re looking for another take on this classic, check out this hamburger soup variation from Spend With Pennies. We’d love to hear how your soup turns out – visit our About Me page to connect! Don’t forget to review our disclaimer and terms for more information. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious spoonful! 🍲😋

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