Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
Hamburger soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and filling. This flavorful soup combines ground beef, a variety of vegetables, and savory broth, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, as you can tweak it to your taste and make use of ingredients you already have at home. It’s also a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
Here’s how to make this delicious and easy hamburger soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef – You can use lean ground beef to keep the soup from getting too greasy.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for their creamy texture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Choose fire-roasted tomatoes for added flavor, if available.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste – This helps to thicken the soup and deepen the tomato flavor.
- 6 cups (1.5L) beef broth – Low-sodium broth is a good option to control the saltiness of the soup.
- 1 cup (150g) frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds a bit of warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.
- Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley.
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break up the beef with a spatula or wooden spoon as it browns, ensuring there are no large chunks. Cook the beef until it’s completely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
Tip: If your beef releases a lot of fat, you can drain some of it off, but leaving a bit will add flavor to the soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
After the beef is browned, add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to cook in the rendered fat from the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
Tip: Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth brings out their natural sweetness, giving the soup more depth.
3. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these add great flavor to the soup. Stir in the diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. The potatoes will thicken the soup slightly as they cook and release their starches.
4. Season the Soup:
Now it’s time to add your seasonings. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and paprika. Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at this point.
5. Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Add the Frozen Vegetables:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the frozen peas and corn. These vegetables only need about 5-7 minutes to cook through. Since they’re frozen, they’ll also help cool the soup slightly as they heat up.
7. Check for Final Seasoning:
Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other spices to fit your taste.
8. Serve:
Your hamburger soup is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh parsley can make the dish even more special.
Tips for Customizing Hamburger Soup:
- Change Up the Meat: If you prefer, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Vegetables: This soup is highly adaptable. You can add zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, or spinach. Simply adjust cooking times for softer veggies.
- Use a Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, you can make hamburger soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Make It Spicy: For those who like heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese in the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage:
Hamburger soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water as the soup may thicken over time.
Hamburger soup is a classic, versatile dish that can be tailored to your family’s preferences. Whether you make it exactly as written or throw in your favorite veggies, it’s a satisfying and cozy meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!