When the temperatures drop and you’re craving something warm and nourishing, Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty dish masterfully combines the savory richness of ground beef with a medley of wholesome vegetables, creating a soup that’s not only satisfying but also brimming with flavor. Perfect for those cozy nights when you need a little extra warmth, this recipe is both simple to prepare and deeply fulfilling.

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Ingredients Overview

The success of this soup hinges on high-quality ingredients, each contributing to its rich taste and comforting texture. Lean ground beef provides robust flavor without excess fat, while diced onion and minced garlic add aromatic depth. Canned diced tomatoes with their juice offer tangy sweetness, balanced by the savory backbone of beef broth. Worcestershire sauce brings umami richness, and Italian seasoning with bay leaf adds subtle herbal notes. Mixed vegetables, whether fresh or frozen, inject color and nutrients, complemented by diced potatoes that thicken the soup. Condensed tomato soup ties everything together with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Hamburger Soup is an exercise in layering flavors, and the process is as enjoyable as the end result. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Brown the diced onion, lean ground beef, and minced garlic together, ensuring that the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft and fragrant. The browning process is crucial—it caramelizes the onions and sears the beef, creating a rich base that forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor.

Once the beef is browned and no pink remains, it’s time to add the diced potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir these ingredients well, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This initial simmer allows the potatoes to begin softening and the flavors to meld.

Next, introduce the mixed vegetables to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The timing of adding the vegetables is key—by adding them later in the cooking process, they retain their vibrant color and texture, providing a balanced taste that complements the richness of the beef and broth. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf, as it has done its job infusing the soup with subtle earthy flavors.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Substitution Suggestions:
If you prefer a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. This swap reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Enhancing the Flavor:
To add a touch of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also introduce a subtle tang that heightens the overall flavor.

Storage and Reheating:
This soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to preserve the texture of the vegetables and the richness of the broth.

Can I Freeze Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely. Ensure the soup is fully cooled before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.

How Long Does it Take to Cook?
The soup requires about 10 minutes of initial simmering after browning the beef and onions, followed by another 15-20 minutes after adding the vegetables. In total, it takes around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.

What Type of Ground Beef is Best?
Opt for lean ground beef with a fat content of around 85%. This ensures a rich flavor without excess grease, which can overwhelm the soup’s other delicate flavors.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Hamburger Soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A crusty loaf of bread is the perfect accompaniment, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. For a lighter side, consider serving a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the soup. If you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, a light dessert like a fruit sorbet provides a refreshing contrast.

When it comes to drink pairings, a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the hearty flavors of the soup. If you prefer something lighter, a chilled beer with a slight bitterness, like a pale ale, works well to balance the richness of the beef.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and with a few tweaks, you can tailor it to suit various dietary preferences or flavor profiles. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The result is just as hearty and flavorful, without the meat.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mix. The heat will add an exciting dimension to the soup, making it a favorite among spice lovers. For those looking to bulk up the soup, consider adding cooked pasta or beans. These additions not only make the soup more filling but also introduce new textures that enhance the overall eating experience.

Hamburger Soup is a dish that combines simplicity with deep, satisfying flavors. Its hearty ingredients and comforting warmth make it a go-to meal for any time of year. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with the variations, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade Hamburger Soup. Share it with your loved ones and watch it quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
3 ½ cups beef broth
3 cups mixed vegetables, fresh or frozen
1 can condensed tomato soup
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Instructions

Begin by browning the diced onion, lean ground beef, and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, ensuring that the garlic and onion are soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup lean.

Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Next, add the mixed vegetables to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy a hearty bowl of this comforting hamburger soup, perfect for a cozy meal.