Growing up, Hamburger Soup Recipe was always a comforting staple in our household. I can still vividly remember the savory aroma wafting through the kitchen as my mom simmered the Hamburger Soup Recipe on the stovetop, filling the air with the irresistible scent of ground beef, vegetables, and warm spices. It was one of those dishes that just felt like a big hug in a bowl, you know? Whenever I’d come home from school on a chilly day, I’d practically race to the kitchen, eager to dive into a steaming hot bowl of that Hamburger Soup Recipe. The combination of tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and celery was just so satisfying and nourishing. Plus, my mom always made sure to include plenty of herbs and seasonings to give the Hamburger Soup Recipe that extra boost of flavor. To this day, Hamburger Soup Recipe remains one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, and I’m excited to share my version of this timeless recipe with you.
Why This Hamburger Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Hamburger Soup Recipe
What makes this Hamburger Soup Recipe so special is the way the flavors meld together over time as it simmers on the stove. The key is to let the soup simmer for at least 45 minutes, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the vegetables to release their natural sweetness. I also like to add a bit of Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, which give the Hamburger Soup Recipe a delightful savory depth. Plus, the addition of diced tomatoes and beef broth creates a wonderfully rich and satisfying base that just envelops your taste buds in pure comfort.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Hamburger Soup Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Hamburger Soup Recipe
This Hamburger Soup Recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires about 15 minutes of active prep time. Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’ll simply need to brown the ground beef, sauté the veggies, and then let the soup simmer away on the stovetop for 45-60 minutes. The result is a hearty, flavorful Hamburger Soup Recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
1- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
3- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4- Bring the Hamburger Soup Recipe to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
5- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the diced potatoes to the soup. This allows them to cook through without becoming mushy.
6- Once the soup is done, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
For the most flavorful Hamburger Soup Recipe, be sure to let the soup simmer for at least 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to really meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender.
Another tip is to use a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor. The sausage adds a delicious savory element to the soup.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetables. While the classic combo of carrots, celery, and potatoes is delicious, you can also try adding in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even some chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrition.
Serving and Storing Your Hamburger Soup Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Hamburger Soup Recipe
This Hamburger Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I love serving it with a fresh, crisp salad or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. It also makes a great main course for a cozy family dinner, and it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly fall or winter day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Hamburger Soup Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
You can also easily make this Hamburger Soup Recipe ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Hamburger Soup Recipe
Creative Hamburger Soup Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are so many delicious ways to customize this Hamburger Soup Recipe. You could try adding in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies, or swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips. You could also play around with the seasonings, using Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or even a splash of red wine for a deeper, richer flavor.
Making Hamburger Soup Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Hamburger Soup Recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. You can also omit the potatoes and add in extra veggies like zucchini or spinach. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce. And for a vegan or vegetarian option, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit the ground beef altogether, using extra veggies and plant-based protein sources like lentils or tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this Hamburger Soup Recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using frozen veggies is a great time-saving shortcut. Simply add them in along with the diced tomatoes and let them cook until tender.
Q: How long does this Hamburger Soup Recipe take to make?
A: This Hamburger Soup Recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, and then it simmers for 45-60 minutes on the stovetop. So the total time from start to finish is around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Q: Can I make this Hamburger Soup Recipe in the slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Just brown the ground beef, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How many servings does this Hamburger Soup Recipe make?
A: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings of Hamburger Soup. The exact number will depend on how large you ladle out the portions.
Q: What should I do if the Hamburger Soup Recipe is too thin?
A: If your Hamburger Soup Recipe ends up being a bit too thin, you can thicken it up by making a simple roux. In a small saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter, then whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly pour the roux into the simmering soup, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Hamburger Soup Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth creates a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. – Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. – Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. – Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. – Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to the broth.
– Try adding diced potatoes or pasta for extra heartiness.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this Hamburger Soup Recipe becomes a new go-to comfort food for you and your family, just like it is for mine. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and warm, savory spices is truly unbeatable. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. And if you do make it, be sure to let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your photos. Enjoy!