This Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe mixes simplicity with comfort. It’s very quick to make. With lean beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the essence of comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or a quick family meal, this soup is easy on the budget and nourishing.
What’s great is its convenience—it’s easy to freeze and reheat for busy nights. Imagine enjoying a warm bowl of this classic soup. Add a crisp salad and crusty bread for the perfect comfort meal.
Key Takeaways
- Prep and cook a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes
- Supports a family of 8 with generous servings
- Lean ground beef makes a nutritious and delicious base
- Abundant in vitamins and minerals with each serving
- Save time with a meal that’s easy to store and reheat
- Customizable with a variety of vegetables and pasta options
- Perfect as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides
Why Hamburger Soup is Your Next Go-To Meal
Hamburger soup is the perfect go-to meal for those who want easy, cozy, and healthy food. It’s not just a tasty hearty soup; it’s a full, nutritious dinner. It fills you up and gives you everything you need in a meal.
Perfect for Any Season
Hamburger soup is great no matter the weather. It’s cozy in the winter and comforting in the summer. With veggies like onions, celery, and carrots in a tasty tomato base, it’s good all year round.
Budget-Friendly and Nutritious
It’s cheap to make hamburger soup. With lean beef, veggies, and beef broth, it doesn’t cost much. Yet, it’s packed with protein and fiber. This makes it a nutritious dinner that’s great for feeding a family or meal prep.
Family Favorite Across the Country
In the U.S., everyone loves hamburger soup. You can change it up with different ingredients, like pasta or turkey instead of beef. Some even call it hamburger helper soup because it’s great for making lots of meals.
If you need a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or something to share, choose hamburger soup. It’s a top go-to meal. It’s great for both flavor and ease, without missing out on anything.
What Makes the Perfect Hamburger Soup
Choosing the right items is key when making perfect hamburger soup. A well-crafted homemade hamburger soup blends strong tastes with nutritious components. This provides not just food but also a cozy feeling. The choice of meat and the quality of ingredients make the difference between good and great soup.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To get that warm, rich taste in your hamburger soup, start with the right ingredients. Choosing lean ground beef, with a mix of 90% lean to 10% fat, is perfect. It gives a rich flavor without too much fat, making every bite enjoyable but not too heavy.
Lean Beef vs. Full Fat: What’s Best?
Choosing between lean or full-fat beef affects the soup’s taste and nutrition. Full-fat beef adds a deep flavor, but lean beef is better for those eating healthy. Lean beef packs about 240 kcal per serving and 20g of protein. This makes it a nutritious choice.
The secret to great homemade hamburger soup is balancing the ingredients well. Both full-fat and lean beef work well, depending on what you prefer. What is important is how these ingredients mix, creating a flavor that’s rich and welcoming.
The Secret to a Flavorful Broth
The broth is the foundation of a delicious hamburger soup. A good broth makes every bite taste amazing and full of flavor. Beef broth is key, especially the low-sodium kind. It lets you decide how salty the soup will be while bringing out its natural tastes.
What sets this hamburger soup’s broth apart? It uses common ingredients like beef base and Worcestershire sauce. It also has the perfect blend of herbs and spices. This combination creates a complex flavor that is comforting. Slowly simmering these ingredients melds their flavors beautifully. This is why I suggest giving it extra time on the stove if you can. Doing so deepens the broth’s flavor, making it a perfect base for your soup.
Adding various vegetables makes the broth even better. A classic blend of onions, carrots, and celery, known as mirepoix, adds sweetness and earthiness. This matches well with the beef. Here’s a tip: the longer you simmer these veggies, the more flavor they add to the broth. This makes the soup’s taste even richer.
Want to try making this easy hamburger soup yourself? It’s easier than you might think. Just start with a quality low sodium beef broth. Then add your beef, a mix of pantry essentials, and any fresh or frozen veggies you like. Let it simmer and soon your kitchen will smell wonderful!
| Ingredient | Role in Broth | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Low Sodium Beef Broth | Base Liquid | Rich, deep, savory |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Flavor Enhancer | Umami, slightly tangy |
| Mirepoix (Onions, Carrots, Celery) | Flavor Foundation | Sweetness and earthiness |
| Herbs & Spices | Flavor Depth | Aromatic, complex |
Every ingredient you add plays a critical role in creating a delicious soup. A great hamburger soup brings comfort in every spoonful. It’s a bowl filled with joy from simple ingredients coming together. Try preparing it and witness how it transforms into a sensory feast.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Hamburger Soup
Welcome to your new favorite recipe! We will guide you in making a delicious hamburger soup. It’s perfect for any season. Whether cooking is your thing, or you’re just starting out, you’ll find it simple and tasty.
Preparing Your Ingredients
First, let’s prepare the ingredients. Gather ground beef, vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and other ingredients. It’s important to cut your potatoes and veggies into similar sizes. This ensures everything cooks evenly. Preparing your ingredients well is the first step to a great soup.
Browning the Beef to Perfection
Next, let’s brown the beef. Heat oil in a pot and cook onions and garlic until golden. Then add ground beef. I recommend an 80/20 blend for its flavor and not too much fat. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled. This step adds a deep flavor to your soup. Remove any extra fat to keep the soup healthy.
Simmering Your Soup for Maximum Flavor
After browning the beef, add broth, canned tomatoes with juices, and seasonings. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer. Add diced potatoes and veggies like green beans in the last 15 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well, creating a delicious hamburger soup.
Here’s what you need and the time frames for this tasty dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Type/Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 2 pounds | 80/20 blend, browned and drained |
| Vegetables | 1-1.5 cups each | Chopped (carrots, onions, celery), Diced (potatoes) |
| Liquid | 6-8 cups | Beef broth |
| Seasonings | To taste | Salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce |
Following this guide will give you a wonderful meal to enjoy. This hearty hamburger soup will warm you up and make everyone happy. Start making something amazing today with this recipe!
Customizing Your Hamburger Soup
Making hamburger soup lets you adjust it to what you like. You can change it up by adding stuff like pasta. This turns the usual soup into something fun.
If you mix in pasta, remember to put more liquid in your soup. Say you add macaroni; you should pour in more broth or water. This helps the pasta cook right and keeps the soup from getting too thick.
We discuss two ways to make your hamburger soup your own: adding pasta or sticking with traditional stuff. This shows how you can change the soup’s thickness and taste. It lets you make the soup just how you like it.
| Ingredient | Traditional Soup | With Added Pasta |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Beef broth | Beef broth + water |
| Main Ingredient | Ground beef | Ground beef and macaroni |
| Texture | Chunky with vegetables | Hearty, thicker texture with pasta |
| Cooking Adjustment | None | Add extra liquid, simmer longer |
Adding pasta makes the soup thicker and more appealing, especially to kids who like pasta. Trying new versions of hamburger soup keeps cooking fun. It’s like exploring with every meal you make.
You can keep it classic or try something new with ingredients like macaroni. Hamburger soup can be changed up in many ways. This makes it a great meal that everyone can enjoy.
The Best Vegetables to Add to Your Hamburger Soup
When making Hamburger Soup, choosing the best vegetables for soup can really make a difference. By incorporating both frozen mixed vegetables and fresh veggies, you can benefit from both convenience and freshness. This ensures your soup is both tasty and nourishing.
Why Frozen Vegetables Are a Great Choice
Using frozen mixed vegetables is smart for those with little time. These veggies are pre-chopped, making them easy to add to your soup. They’re frozen when they’re freshest, so they keep their nutrients and taste. Plus, they’re available all year, making them perfect for any season.
Using Fresh Vegetables for a Crisp Texture
Adding fresh veggies to your soup brings color and a crisp texture. Vegetables like fresh carrots, celery, and zucchini go well with the soup’s rich taste. They stay firm, adding a nice crunch that makes each bite enjoyable.
How to Serve Hamburger Soup
Learning how to serve Hamburger Soup can make it more than just food. It becomes a special meal. The best part is picking accompaniments that make it taste even better.
Accompaniments That Elevate This Dish
A bowl of Hamburger Soup is good by itself. Yet, when you add something like crusty bread, it becomes great. Dipping warm bread into the soup’s broth is satisfying. It adds crunch and soaks up the tasty soup.
A fresh chopped salad also goes well with this soup. The salad’s cool, crisp taste mixes well with the warm soup. A simple salad, maybe with a light dressing, doesn’t hide the soup’s strong taste.
The trick in how to serve Hamburger Soup is finding the right mix of flavors and textures. So, get that crusty bread, make a quick salad, and enjoy a bowl of Hamburger Soup. It’s sure to make you feel cozy and happy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Knowing how to store and reheat hamburger soup can make your meals last longer. This tasty dish is perfect for freezing and easy to reheat. I’ll share some tips to help keep your soup fresh longer.
Freezer Storage: Hamburger soup is great for freezing. Cool the soup first, then put it in a freezer-safe container. Leave about an inch of space at the top. This is because the soup expands when it freezes. The USDA suggests keeping it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Aim to use it within three months for the best quality.
- Make sure the soup cools off completely before you freeze it. This prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Write the date on the containers so you know how long they have been in the freezer.
- Avoid freezing soups with cream or big pasta or rice pieces. They might not taste the same after reheating.
Refrigeration Storage: If you’re planning to eat the soup soon, keep it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for storage. Properly stored, your soup can taste great for up to three days. This is handy for planning meals ahead during a busy week.
Reheating Tips: You can reheat hamburger soup in the microwave or on the stove. For frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge first. Then, warm it on medium heat until it’s heated all the way through. If microwaving, cover the soup but stir it often to heat it evenly.
- Make sure reheated soup gets to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This kills any bacteria.
- Reheat slowly if your soup has flour or cream in it. This helps keep its texture.
With good storage and reheating practices, you can enjoy your hamburger soup anytime. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a warm dinner on a cold night. Your soup will be delicious and ready with hardly any prep time.
Turning Leftover Hamburger Soup into New Meals
Using leftover hamburger soup in new ways is not just smart—it’s a fun adventure in cooking. Finding joy in coming up with new dishes from leftovers excites me. Here are some great tips to rethink your leftover meals.
Imagine your leftover hamburger soup infused with extra ingredients to become a brand new dish. Adding stuff like cheese and pasta can turn it into something new. This way, your tasty soup doesn’t go to waste. Each new dish brings its own unique flavor.
| Original Hamburger Soup | Cheeseburger Soup Variation |
|---|---|
| Total prep and cook time: 50 minutes | Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Number of servings: 8 | Number of servings: 8 |
| Calories per serving: 400 kcal | Calories per serving: 438 kcal |
| Total fat per serving: 23g | Total fat per serving: 23g |
| Protein per serving: 21g | Protein per serving: 30g |
Just adding cheese creates a tasty Cheeseburger Soup. It shows how hamburger soup can become the base for new dishes. This change makes meals both versatile and time-efficient. Instead of just reheating leftovers, we’re entering a new phase of creative cooking.
In the end, using leftover hamburger soup well can really spark your kitchen creativity. It encourages you to go beyond traditional meals, letting you invent something special. Next time you have leftovers, think of them as a chance for something fun and new.
Hamburger Soup: A Meal Prep Champion
Hamburger soup is perfect for meal prep. It’s easy to make and filled with nutrients. This dish mixes lean ground beef, veggies, and tasty broth. It’s an easy, nutritious choice for any busy person.
Hamburger soup is my favorite for week’s lunches or for freezing. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot. Leftovers last up to four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer.
Hamburger soup is a nutritious meal prep star. It uses lean beef and green beans, providing lots of nutrients. For example, it has 20 grams of protein and 608 mg of potassium per serving. It’s a balanced meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 201 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Sodium | 673 mg |
| Potassium | 608 mg |
For cooking, hamburger soup is very versatile. A slow cooker makes it easy to cook without fuss. An Instant Pot cooks it faster but still tasty. This soup is a great choice for a quick, healthy meal any time.
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Variations
Looking into vegetarian variations and gluten-free hamburger soup helps meet different dietary needs. Using plant-based meats and making sure every ingredient, including broth, is gluten-free, lets everyone enjoy Hamburger Soup. It keeps the taste and nutrition without leaving anyone out.
Here’s what you need to know about making a vegetarian and gluten-free hamburger soup:
| Nutritional Component | Quantity per Serving | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 237 kcal | Enough energy for one meal. |
| Protein | 16.8 g | Comes from plant-based sources instead of meat. |
| Carbohydrates | 32.2 g | Packed with fiber from veggies. |
| Fat | 3.8 g | Lowered by using lean, plant ingredients. |
| Fiber | 6.4 g | Thanks to lots of vegetables. |
| Sugars | 10.1 g | Only natural sugars from the veggies, no extra added. |
| Sodium | 904 mg | Uses gluten-free soy sauce and low-sodium broth. |
| Vitamin A & C | 3550 IU & 66 mg | Got from various vegetables in the soup. |
This version suits vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding gluten. It ensures nobody misses out on this warm, satisfying soup. By making these changes, the soup stays nutritious and becomes a great choice for any meal.
What to Pair with Hamburger Soup for a Complete Meal
Choosing the right pairing for hamburger soup means picking side dishes that match its rich taste. Crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad do just that. They balance the flavors and nutrition perfectly.
To make your meal even better, try a simple garlic bread recipe. Bake it for 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives you bread that’s crusty on the outside and soft inside. Dipping it into the soup adds a comforting touch to your meal.
A green salad adds health benefits to your meal. Mix spinach, arugula, and romaine, and top with your favorite dressing. This not only tastes great but also boosts your fiber intake by about 30%, pairing wonderfully with your soup.
Here’s a quick guide to these pairings:
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Crusty Garlic Bread | 10-11 minutes | Adds a satisfying crunch and rich flavor |
| Green Salad | 5 minutes | Increases dietary fiber by ~30% |
Using an Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe can make dinner prep simpler. This ensures you enjoy a warm, comforting meal even on busy days.
To really enhance your hamburger soup meal, consider the pairings carefully. The right side dishes turn a simple soup into a complete, delightful meal for everyone.
“Hamburger Soup”
A steaming bowl of hamburger soup is perfect for warming up and feeling satisfied at the dinner table. It’s known as a great comfort food, and a favorite in family meals and quick dinner ideas. This hamburger soup recipe is easy to make your own but keeps its yummy taste.
Hamburger soup is loved for its tasty flavors and healthy ingredients that mix quickly. It fills you up and is full of good vitamins and nutrients. It’s ideal for a cold night or when you need a fast meal that everyone will like.
Here’s the nutritional info for a typical hamburger soup that feeds a family:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Sodium | 692mg |
| Potassium | 923mg |
| Vitamin A | 3670 IU |
| Vitamin C | 24.2mg |
| Calcium | 79mg |
| Iron | 4.6mg |
The picture shows how appealing hamburger soup is and how it meets your health needs. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with family. With a few ingredients and some time, you can make a dinner that’s good for you and tastes great.
As my Easy Hamburger Soup finishes cooking, I think about homemade soup’s comfort. It takes 25 minutes from start to end, ideal for a cozy dinner. It serves two, with about 550 kcal per serving, making it filling yet healthy.
You can make this soup your own by adding things like bok choy or summer squash. These add vitamins A and C, potassium, and folate. Garlic and thyme boost the flavor and offer health benefits, like fighting inflammation. This recipe, loved by presidents from Kennedy to Nixon and featured in Chef John Hanny’s kitchen, combines history with personal taste.
Making a gluten-free or nut-free version of this soup is easy. It’s perfect for a cold day or comforting after a tough one. Whether you save it in the fridge or freeze it for later, this soup is special. It’s more than food; it’s about making memories, celebrating cooking, and being a staple at dinner. It invites us to enjoy the simple joys of eating together.
FAQ
What makes an easy hamburger soup recipe stand out?
A simple hamburger soup recipe shines because it’s easy, quick, and yummy. It’s made with lean beef, veggies, and tasty broth. This makes it a perfect comfort food for busy nights.
Why is hamburger soup considered a great go-to meal?
Hamburger soup is a favorite because it works for all seasons and budgets. It’s healthy and loved by families everywhere. This hearty soup can also be changed to match different tastes.
What are the key ingredients for making the perfect hamburger soup?
The perfect hamburger soup needs lean ground beef and rich tomato broth. Add potatoes, veggies, and seasonings like Worcestershire and Italian seasoning. Choose low-sodium ingredients to keep it healthy.
Should I use lean beef or full-fat beef for hamburger soup?
Choose lean beef for a healthier option that’s still flavorful. Or, pick full-fat beef for more richness, though it has more calories and fat.
Can I customize my hamburger soup?
Yes, you can! Add different pastas or veggies. Experiment with the seasonings. For a twist, make it into a cheeseburger soup by adding cheese.
What vegetables work best in hamburger soup?
Both frozen and fresh veggies are great in hamburger soup. Frozen veggies are convenient, while fresh ones like carrots and peas add crunch and color.
How should I serve hamburger soup to make it a complete meal?
Serve it with a fresh salad and some crusty bread. These add fresh textures and tastes to the meaty soup, making it a full meal.
What are some tips for storing and reheating hamburger soup?
For storage, cool the soup, then put it in bags or containers. Reheat on the stove or microwave, whether it’s thawed or frozen.
How can I turn leftover hamburger soup into new dishes?
Give leftover soup a new life by adding pasta for a beefy pasta soup. Or drop in some cheese for a cheeseburger spin. Use your creativity and what you have at home.
Why is hamburger soup an excellent choice for meal prep?
Hamburger soup is perfect for meal prep because it’s healthy, easy to cook in batches, and freezes well. It’s handy for a quick homemade meal when time is tight.
Can I make vegetarian or gluten-free hamburger soup?
Sure, it’s easy to switch this soup up for vegetarians or gluten-free diets. Use meat substitutes and check that broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
What are some ideal side dishes to pair with hamburger soup?
Great sides for hamburger soup include dinner rolls, a side salad, or steamed veggies. A light dessert can complete the meal. Choose sides that balance the meal.
Why is hamburger soup considered comfort food?
Hamburger soup feels like home. It’s warm and hearty. It’s easy to make your own and brings back cozy memories with each spoonful.
Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Easy Hamburger Soup—A hearty, veggie-filled soup with lean beef, potatoes, and a flavorful broth that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef (1 lb)
- Onion (1, diced)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Medium potatoes (2, peeled and diced)
- Beef broth (3 ½ cups)
- Canned diced tomatoes (28 oz, with juices)
- Condensed tomato soup (10.75 oz can)
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tsp)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Bay leaf (1)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Frozen mixed vegetables or fresh veggies (3 cups)
Instructions
- Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Then, add the diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.
- Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies), and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
