Hamburger soup is a delightful and hearty dish that captures all the flavors of your favorite burger in a warm and comforting bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, quick weeknight meals, or whenever you’re craving something satisfying. Packed with vegetables and seasoned perfectly, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy hamburger soup recipe!
Ingredients
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of hamburger soup (1.5 cups) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 18g of protein. This nutritional breakdown is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. 2. Drain excess fat and return the pot to the heat. 3. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 1 diced bell pepper and 1 diced carrot; cook for 5 minutes. 5. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. 6. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. 7. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs. 8. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 9. Stir in 2 cups of diced potatoes and 1 cup of frozen corn; cook until potatoes are tender. 10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. 
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and switch out vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Serving and Pairings
This delicious hamburger soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad. Enjoy it with grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy experience!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip draining the fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy soup.
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Don’t add too much salt at the beginning; taste and adjust later.
- Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic well for maximum flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; it helps develop the flavors.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor if available.
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Consider using a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking method.
- Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
FAQs
Can I make hamburger soup in advance?
Yes, hamburger soup can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the flavor profile.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Hamburger soup freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Can I use different meats?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry. Another option is to let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hamburger soup is a versatile and comforting dish that brings together all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a delightful bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, and its simplicity makes it a favorite among families. Enjoy making this hearty soup and share it with loved ones!
Hamburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked.
- Drain excess fat and return the pot to the heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in diced bell pepper and carrot; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes and frozen corn; cook until potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
