Hаmburger soup is a warm , comfort food that mixes ground beef, vegetаbles and simple spices in one pot of yum . Folks all over like it cause it taste good and you can change it up easy to fit what you like or need . Whether its for a cold night or a quick family dinner , hаmburger soup seems to work every time .
This write up will look at hаmburger soup recipes, its perks and some cool ways to mix it up . We’ll talk about how it started, what basic stuff you need , and why it's good for you . Even if you never cooked before , you can follow along and make a tasty bowl of soup . Let’s jump in and learn how to make your own version to enjoy with tips on storing and serving .
What is Hamburger Soup?
Hаmburger soup is a thick , savory stew where the star is ground beef plus lots of veggies , broth and seasonings . This blend gives you a filling meal that warms you up when it’s chilly . You can eat it any time though , cause its easy to adjust with what you have .
The start of hаmburger soup came from using leftovers in the fridge and turning them into a hot meal . Families just tossed in meat bits and veggies they had on hand and it turned out great . Over time people added more spices and made the recipe their own .
Usually you use ground beef , diced tomatoes , carrots , celery , potatoes , green beans and corn . The broth pulls all the flavors together to make each spoonful tasty . Nutritionally, the soup gives protein from the meat and fiber and vitamins from the veggies .
Why Make Hamburger Soup?
One big reason to cook hаmburger soup is that it’s super easy . You don’t need much skill to chop veggies and brown meat then add broth and simmer . Most of the stuff is in your pantry or at any store .
It can also be lower cal than some heavy meals if you pack it with veggies . That means you feel full but you don't eat a ton of fat . Kids and grown ups both tend to like it , so it’s a safe choice for families .
And its cheap too . Ground beef and seasonal vegetables cost less than fancy meats . You can make a lot at once and save leftovers for later , which is awesome when you are busy .
How to Make Hamburger Soup: A Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Onion (1 medium diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves , minced)
- Carrots (2 , diced)
- Celery (2 stalks , diced)
- Bell pepper (1 , diced)
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
- Diced tomatoes (1 can , 14.5 oz)
- Green beans (1 cup , fresh or frozen)
- Corn (1 cup , fresh or frozen)
- Potatoes (2 medium , diced)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
1. Brown meat : In a big pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat . Drain any fat you see .
2. Cook veggies : Toss in onion, garlic, carrots , celery and bell pepper . Cook until they look soft .
3. Stir in paste : Add tomato paste and stir for a minute so it helps boost flavor .
4. Add liquids : Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes , then throw in green beans , corn and potatoes .
5. Season : Sprinkle italian seasoning , salt and pepper . Bring soup to a boil .
6. Simmer : Turn heat down and let it cook for 30-40 minutes until veggies are tender .
7. Serve : You can eat it with bread or put cheese on top if you want .
Tips and Variations
- You can swap beef for turkey or a plant-based substitute
- Add pasta or rice for more carbs
- Mix your own spice mix if you like stronger flavors
- Swap ingredients to go gluten-free or vegetarian
Hamburger Soup Variations
- Italian-style : Add italian sausage and more herbs .
- Mexican-style : Throw in beans , corn and cumin .
- Veggie-heavy : Just add extra veggies instead of meat .
- Slow cooker : Brown meat first then put all stuff in slow cooker for 6-8 hrs on low .
- Instant Pot : Use pressure cook for 15 mins for a fast meal .
Storage and Reheating Tips
Put leftover soup in an airtight container once it cools down . In the fridge it will last about 3-4 days .
For longer time , freeze it in a freezer-safe box or bag . It can stay good up to 3 months .
To warm up , defrost in the fridge overnight if frozen . Then heat on stove over medium heat or zap in the microwave , stirring so it heats evenly .
The Connection Between Hamburger Soup and Comfort Food
Hаmburger soup feels like a hug in a bоwl . It’s warm, filling and reminds people of home . Many families share it on cold days or when they need something simple but tasty .
FAQs About Hamburger Soup
- Can I freeze hamburger soup? Yes . Cool it first then put in freezer containers . It’s good for up to 3 months .
- Can I use frozen ground beef? Sure , but it may take longer to cook . Just make sure it’s fully brown before you add other stuff .
- How long does it last in the fridge? About 3-4 days . Check for bad smell or mold before you eat .
- What goes with hamburger soup? Crusty bread , salad or cheese on top all work great .
- Can I use a slow cooker? Yes . Brown the meat, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hrs or high for 3-4 hrs .
Conclusion
Hаmburger soup is simple, flexible and great for any time . You can tweak it how you want , save money and feed a crowd . Try out the tips above and share how your soup turned out in the comments .
Hamburger Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- optional fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, frozen corn, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
