Hamburger Soup: A Hearty Classic for All Ages
Soup Simplicity
Hamburger soup is the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s a simple, yet hearty meal that’s perfect for those days when you crave comfort food without a lot of fuss. This recipe is easy to make and versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Let’s dive into creating this timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
- Stir in the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.
4. Pour in Beef Broth:
- Pour the beef broth into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add Frozen Vegetables:
- Stir in the frozen corn kernels and frozen green beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the corn and beans are heated through.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the hot hamburger soup into bowls.
8. Garnish (Optional):
- If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over each bowl for a touch of freshness.
9. Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade hamburger soup hot, and relish the simple, comforting flavors in every spoonful.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Hamburger Soup
Tips:
- If you prefer a leaner soup, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of soy sauce when sautéing the beef and onions.
Variations:
- The beauty of hamburger soup is its versatility. Feel free to swap out or add different vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Peas, green peppers, or even cabbage can be wonderful additions.
- To make your soup even heartier, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or barley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Customization:
- Hamburger soup is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Adjust the seasonings, vegetables, or even the type of meat used to create your perfect bowl of comfort.
Storage:
- Leftover hamburger soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Cook’s Note:
- This hamburger soup is a timeless classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a simple, comforting meal. Feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and seasonings.
- Hamburger soup is all about simplicity and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that can be customized to suit your family’s taste preferences. Try experimenting with different herbs and spices, like adding a bay leaf or a dash of paprika, to create a unique twist on this classic.
- If you have leftover cooked vegetables in your fridge, don’t hesitate to toss them into the pot. This soup is an excellent way to reduce food waste and make the most of what you have.
- To make this hamburger soup even heartier, consider adding a handful of cooked and drained kidney beans or lentils. They’ll provide extra protein and texture to the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the soup and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
- While fresh parsley is a great garnish, you can also top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor.
- Hamburger soup is known for its delicious leftovers. As the flavors meld overnight, the soup becomes even tastier the next day. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of hamburger soup on a chilly evening or packing it for lunch the next day, its comforting simplicity and rich flavors are sure to keep you coming back for more. So, embrace the convenience and warmth of this classic dish and make it a staple in your home-cooked meals.
