An enticing aroma wafts through the air as you dream of a warm bowl of hamburger soup on a chilly evening. Picture tender ground beef mingling with vibrant veggies, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for ground beef in hamburger soup?
- How do I thicken hamburger soup?
- Can I freeze hamburger soup?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now imagine this scene: it’s a rainy day, your family is gathered around the kitchen table, laughter fills the air while bowls of steaming hamburger soup are served. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker that warms hearts and brings smiles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hamburger soup is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also allows for endless customization based on your pantry staples.
- The rich flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home.
- Vibrant colors from the fresh vegetables make each bowl visually appealing and inviting.
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for guests.
I remember the first time I made this delicious hamburger soup; my kids devoured it faster than I could say “seconds,” and that’s saying something!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much grease; you can substitute turkey if desired.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; choose yellow onions for sweetness or white onions for sharpness.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring color and natural sweetness; cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: Celery enhances crunchiness; look for firm stalks with vibrant green leaves.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic flavor; minced garlic works best here for even distribution.
- Tomato Paste: Use this to add richness; it’s essential for deepening the overall flavor profile.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enriching the dish with beefy goodness.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes in juice boost freshness; fire-roasted varieties add a smoky touch.
- Dried Herbs (Oregano, Basil): These spices elevate the dish’s flavor; dried herbs are more concentrated so use sparingly.
- Bay Leaf: Just one bay leaf infuses subtle earthy notes during cooking; remember to remove it before serving!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor; adjust according to personal preference as you taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the soup light.
Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften and onions turn translucent while releasing their sweet aroma.
Add Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in tomato paste along with oregano and basil. Allow these ingredients to mingle for about two minutes until fragrant.
Pour in Broth & Tomatoes: Add beef broth and canned tomatoes along with their juices into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Add Final Touches: Toss in bay leaf and season with salt and pepper according to taste. Lower heat, cover partially simmering for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove bay leaf before serving! Ladle warm servings into bowls while garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful comfort food!
This hamburger soup is sure to become your new favorite go-to meal!
You Must Know
- Hamburger soup is hearty, delicious, and perfect for chilly nights.
- It’s quick to make and can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Plus, the smell while it simmers is simply irresistible—your neighbors might just come knocking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then add chopped veggies and broth. Simmer until everything melds perfectly together, making your kitchen smell heavenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite beans for extra protein. Toss in any leftover vegetables for a personal twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a soggy soup, add pasta separately and cook it al dente.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for vibrant flavor.
- Always taste before serving; seasoning makes all the difference!
The first time I made hamburger soup, my kids declared it a winner! Their smiles when they slurped it down made every effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in hamburger soup?
You can use ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
How do I thicken hamburger soup?
Add a cornstarch slurry or instant potato flakes to achieve desired thickness.
Can I freeze hamburger soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Delicious Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hamburger soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort on chilly nights. Packed with robust flavors and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- 2. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are softened.
- 3. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes (with juice). Bring to a gentle boil.
- 5. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- 6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg