hamburger soup

this recipe

Introduction and Quick Summary

Hamburger soup is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of a classic burger in a warm, hearty bowl. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings when you’re looking for something quick and satisfying. Packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, it’s a one-pot wonder that the entire family will love. Not only does it capture the essence of a juicy hamburger, but it also offers the warmth of a homemade soup.

This simple hamburger soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few core ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a wholesome meal on the table in no time. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or over rice, this warming soup promises to delight your palate.

In this article, we’ll go through the main ingredients needed to make this nourishing dish, provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it perfectly at home, and share tips on serving and storing your leftover hamburger soup. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience that brings comfort and satisfaction right to your dining table!

Main Ingredients

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the star of this hamburger soup recipe. Typically used for burgers, it adds rich flavor and protein-packed goodness to the dish. When choosing ground beef, opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio as it provides enough fat for flavor without being overly greasy. You can also use leaner cuts if preferred; just be mindful that they might require some added oil during cooking to prevent sticking.

Vegetables

A mix of fresh vegetables enhances both the taste and nutritional value of your hamburger soup. Common choices include diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Diced tomatoes add acidity which balances the richness of the meat while carrots offer sweetness. Celery introduces crunchiness and flavor depth while bell peppers contribute their unique sweetness. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables as well!

Broth or Stock

Broth or stock forms the base of your hamburger soup’s delicious liquid component. Beef broth complements the meat nicely; however, vegetable or chicken broth can also be used if desired. Using homemade broth adds extra depth of flavor but store-bought options work just fine too! Aim for low-sodium varieties so you can control the salt content in your dish.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste acts as a thickening agent while providing concentrated tomato flavor to enrich your soup’s taste profile. It helps create a nice velvety texture while deepening the overall color of the dish. This ingredient is essential for achieving that robust flavor reminiscent of traditional hamburgers.

Seasonings

Seasonings are what truly bring your hamburger soup to life! Common choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. These spices complement all other ingredients by enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them. Adjust them according to your taste preferences; don’t be afraid to be creative!

How to Prepare Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your ground beef into the pot breaking it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until browned all over—this should take about 5-7 minutes depending on your stove’s heat level.

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary cook in batches! After browning completely remove excess grease using paper towels or drain off carefully before proceeding—it helps maintain richness without overwhelming greasiness in final dish.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once you’ve browned all meat thoroughly return it back into pot along with diced vegetables like carrots and celery next! Stir everything together well allowing flavors from meat infuse into veggies naturally—let them sauté gently until they start softening slightly—about 3-5 minutes should suffice!

Next up pour in canned tomatoes along with their juices & tomato paste mixing thoroughly until everything blends beautifully creating vibrant color!

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Now it’s time to add some liquid magic! Pour in enough broth (about 4 cups) ensuring every morsel gets embraced by flavorful goodness—stir gently ensuring even distribution across mixture making sure nothing clumps up too much here either!

Bring mixture up towards gentle simmer bringing aroma wafting through kitchen inviting everyone nearby closer! Allow simmering uncovered for around 15-20 minutes allowing flavors meld harmoniously together while ensuring vegetables cook through & soften further—taste testing during process ensures seasonings remain balanced well throughout journey.

Step 4: Season Your Soup

After allowing your delicious creation bubble away take moment evaluate seasoning levels here! Start adding salt & pepper incrementally based preferences until desired taste achieved—it’s important because everyone’s palates differ after all! Feel free sprinkle garlic powder/onion powder/Italian seasoning at this stage too if feeling adventurous & wanting extra kick!

Lastly toss in bay leaves ensuring they’re submerged fully into mixture—they’ll impart subtle earthy notes elevating experience overall subtly without overpowering main flavors present within bowl itself once served later on!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve your homemade hamburger soup consider garnishing each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme—it adds beautiful color & freshness enhancing presentation visually too! You can pair this dish alongside crusty bread rolls making ideal companions soaking up delightful broth at bottom leaving nothing behind—perfectly satisfying combination!

Additionally top servings off with shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella if desired elevating indulgence factor even further! For those who appreciate heat try serving alongside hot sauce on side allowing guests customize spice levels according personal tastes too—makes meal interactive fun experience overall!

Storage Guidelines

Leftover hamburger soup keeps well stored properly ensuring optimal freshness retained longer period! Let cool down completely before transferring into airtight containers refrigerating promptly afterwards—it’ll stay good refrigerated up about three days max!

If looking extend shelf life consider freezing leftovers instead: portion out single servings ahead storing them within freezer safe bags/containers labeled appropriately indicating date prepared so nothing gets lost later amidst chaos inside freezer section preventing waste possible situations!

To reheat simply thaw overnight fridge then warm gently stovetop until heated through again enjoying same comforting flavors once more whenever cravings strike next time around at home again soon enough too!

By following these guidelines you ensure each bite remains as enjoyable as first one was upon initial preparation making every moment spent enjoying special memories created around dining table worthwhile forever lasting impressions always cherished moments shared among family friends alike!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making hamburger soup is using low-quality ground beef. The flavor of the soup heavily relies on the meat. Opt for a good quality ground beef that has a decent fat content, usually around 80/20. Leaner meat can lead to a dry and less flavorful dish. Additionally, be mindful of overcooking the meat. Ground beef cooks quickly, and if you let it brown too much, it can become tough, impacting the overall texture of your hamburger soup.

Another frequent error is neglecting to season properly during cooking. Many home cooks wait until the end to add spices and salt, but this can result in an unbalanced flavor profile. Instead, season your ingredients as you cook them. This will help the flavors meld together more effectively and create a more cohesive taste throughout the dish.

Using too many vegetables is another common pitfall. While adding vegetables can enhance the nutritional value of hamburger soup, it’s essential not to overwhelm the dish with them. Stick to classic options like carrots, celery, and onions, which complement the beef without overpowering it. Too many different types of vegetables can lead to muddled flavors and an unappealing texture.

Lastly, be cautious about how long you simmer your soup. While simmering allows flavors to develop, overdoing it can break down the ingredients too much, resulting in a mushy consistency. Aim for a simmer time of 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld while keeping your vegetables tender-crisp and your meat juicy.

Tips and tricks

To make delicious hamburger soup, start with a solid base by sautéing onions and garlic first. This method builds depth in flavor right from the beginning. Cook these aromatics until they are soft and fragrant before adding other ingredients like ground beef or broth. This simple step can significantly enhance the taste of your final dish.

Don’t forget about using broth instead of water for cooking your hamburger soup. Broth adds layers of flavor that plain water cannot provide. You can use beef broth for a richer taste or vegetable broth for a lighter option depending on your preference. Homemade broth is ideal if you have it on hand; however, store-bought varieties work well too if you’re short on time.

Incorporating herbs early in the cooking process helps infuse their essence into your soup effectively. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or bay leaves can add complexity without overwhelming other flavors. Add these at the beginning so they have time to release their oils into the broth.

Moreover, consider adding some acidity at the end of cooking time to balance out richness in your hamburger soup. A splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brings brightness and elevates all other flavors in the dish.

Lastly, always taste as you go! This ensures that you adjust seasoning levels according to personal preference throughout cooking rather than waiting until serving time when adjustments may not be as effective.

Suggestions for hamburger soup

When preparing hamburger soup, try incorporating some grains for added texture and nutritional value. Barley or rice makes excellent additions that will absorb flavors from the broth while providing heartiness to each bowlful. Just remember not to add them directly into the pot at first; cook them separately if they require different cooking times than your soup base.

Consider varying your protein choice occasionally by substituting ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of hamburger soup. These alternatives still offer protein-packed meals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction levels.

For those looking for extra flavor layers, think about adding Worcestershire sauce during cooking as it contains multiple umami-rich components that complement meat dishes beautifully! Just a tablespoon or two should suffice—too much may overpower other tastes present in your recipe.

In addition, garnishing with fresh toppings such as chopped parsley or shredded cheese adds color while enhancing presentation—the visual appeal matters! A dollop of sour cream can also introduce creaminess that contrasts well against hearty textures within each spoonful.

Lastly, serve this comforting dish alongside crusty bread or cornbread for dipping purposes! Both options pair nicely with various soups by soaking up savory juices left behind—making every meal even more delightful!

FAQs

What ingredients are essential for making hamburger soup?

To create an authentic hamburger soup experience, several key ingredients are necessary: ground beef (preferably 80/20), onions, garlic, diced tomatoes (canned works best), broth (beef or vegetable), carrots, celery, potatoes (optional), and various herbs/spices such as thyme and bay leaves. These components form a solid foundation upon which additional veggies or seasonings may be layered according to personal preferences!

Can I freeze leftover hamburger soup?

Yes! Freezing leftover hamburger soup is an excellent way to enjoy this hearty meal later on without wasting food! To ensure optimal quality upon reheating later down-the-line: cool completely before transferring into airtight containers suitable for freezing; label them with dates so you know how long they’ve been stored! When ready-to-eat again—simply thaw overnight in fridge then reheat on stove over low heat until warmed through!

How long does homemade hamburger soup last in the refrigerator?

Homemade hamburger soup typically stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container within refrigerating temperatures (below 40°F). If any signs indicate spoilage—such as off smells or visible mold growth—discard immediately rather than risk consuming spoiled food items!

Is there a vegetarian version of hamburger soup?

Absolutely! A vegetarian variation of traditional hamburger soup can easily be put together using plant-based proteins like lentils or crumbled tempeh instead of ground beef! Combine these substitutes with similar veggies & seasonings found in original recipes—you’ll still achieve that hearty satisfaction without compromising dietary choices!

Can I use frozen vegetables in my hamburger soup?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work perfectly fine within this recipe; they’re pre-washed & chopped before freezing—which saves prep-time while retaining nutrient levels effectively throughout storage periods! Just remember not-to-overcrowd pot when adding frozen veggies; this could lower temperature drastically leading longer cook times required since ingredients won’t brown adequately otherwise!

What spices pair well with hamburger soup?

Several spices complement this comforting dish beautifully! Common choices include black pepper (to taste) along with paprika & chili powder which add warmth without overwhelming other flavors present within base ingredients themselves; additionally—fresh herbs like parsley/basil sprinkle generously atop bowls just before serving elevates both visual aesthetic & overall flavor profile delightfully!

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a perfect bowl of hamburger soup involves avoiding common mistakes while applying helpful tips throughout preparation stages—this ensures flavorful outcomes every single time! Start by selecting high-quality ground meats paired harmoniously alongside well-seasoned aromatics such as garlic/onions while monitoring simmer times carefully so all elements come together flawlessly without losing texture integrity altogether.

Make use of grains when desired along with variations on protein sources depending on dietary needs/preferences; don’t forget those subtle touches like vinegar at end-cooking stage which enhances richness remarkably well among other tactics discussed here today!

By keeping these suggestions handy—including frequently asked questions answered earlier—you’ll find yourself crafting delightful batches consistently ensuring satisfaction amongst family friends alike during mealtime gatherings ahead!

hamburger soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Hamburger Soup is a warm, comforting, and hearty meal, perfect for cooler days. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this one-pot dish is easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
5. 2 celery stalks, chopped
6. 4 cups beef broth
7. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
8. 1 cup frozen peas
9. 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
10. 1 tsp dried oregano
11. 1 tsp dried basil
12. Salt and pepper, to taste
13. 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat.
• Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
• Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, followed by the potatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

• Add other vegetables like corn or green beans for extra variety.
• This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes