Introduction
When the weather gets colder, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. It brings that instant feeling of coziness and satisfaction, perfect for those chilly nights when you need something hearty. Hamburger soup is one of those classic comfort foods that’s simple to make, incredibly filling, and full of flavors that everyone loves. Made with tender ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both easy and delicious. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking to impress guests with a homemade dish, this hearty hamburger soup recipe is sure to hit the spot.
This soup brings together ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t require any complicated steps or obscure ingredients. In just a short amount of time, you can have a warm, filling, and nutritious meal ready to serve. If you’re new to cooking or just looking for something low-effort yet delicious, this recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night at home or preparing a big batch for meal prep, this hamburger soup will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients Needed
To create the perfect hamburger soup, you need just a handful of ingredients that combine to make a delicious, savory dish. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 1 lb (450g) | 800 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Carrots (chopped) | 2 medium | 50 |
| Celery stalks (chopped) | 2 | 20 |
| Potatoes (diced) | 2 medium | 150 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 8 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 30 |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 40 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) | 70 |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves | 2 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
Total Calories per serving: Approx. 300 calories (based on 6 servings)
These ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. Most of them are pantry staples that you probably already have. The combination of beef, vegetables, and seasoning gives the soup its rich, savory flavor. You can also easily adjust the quantities based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s break down the steps to make this amazing hamburger soup.
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. You may want to drain any excess fat that remains after browning the meat. Once the beef is cooked, set it aside.
In the same pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Let it heat up, then add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should start to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic.
Now, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the vegetables for a couple of minutes. This helps intensify the flavors and gives the soup a rich base. Sprinkle in the black pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir to combine everything, and cook for another minute to bring out the full flavors of the seasoning.
Next, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and the potatoes. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended together perfectly.
After the soup has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, your hearty hamburger soup is ready to serve!
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
While this hamburger soup recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also highly customizable. Here are some ideas to help you tweak the soup to suit your tastes:
If you enjoy a little heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. This will give the soup a nice kick without overwhelming the flavor.
The recipe calls for carrots, celery, and potatoes, but you can easily swap these out for other vegetables you have on hand. Try adding green beans, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats still provide a great base for the soup, but they are lower in fat and calories.
For a richer, creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup just before serving. This will give the soup a velvety smooth finish.
Fresh thyme, parsley, or basil can elevate the flavor of your soup. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their bright, fresh taste.
Nutritional Information
A bowl of this hamburger soup is not only delicious, but it also provides a well-balanced meal. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
This makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for keeping you full and energized. If you’re looking for a nutritious dish that won’t weigh you down, this hamburger soup fits the bill.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with some complementary sides can make it even more satisfying. Here are a few ideas:
A warm, freshly baked loaf of bread or even a baguette works wonderfully to dip in the soup. The bread absorbs the rich broth, adding texture and flavor.
A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette makes a refreshing side dish to balance the richness of the soup.
Top your soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef.
For an added crunch, serve the soup with some crispy crackers or homemade croutons. It’s a simple addition, but it adds a satisfying texture contrast.
Conclusion
Hamburger soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who aren’t experienced in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or meal prep for the week. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize it to fit your tastes, this hamburger soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this delicious homemade soup.