Hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. This delightful dish, made from ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, can be tailored to suit any taste preference. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight meal or preparing for a cozy family gathering, hamburger soup is a versatile choice. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fiber.
The History and Popularity of Hamburger Soup.
Though the exact origins of hamburger soup remain unclear, this dish has evolved as a staple comfort food in many North American households. It’s a logical extension of simple soups and stews that have been enjoyed for centuries. What makes hamburger soup especially appealing is its affordability and the ease with which it can be customized to meet various dietary needs.
The use of ground beef in soups likely gained popularity due to its accessibility and quick cooking time compared to whole cuts of meat. In today’s busy world, meals like hamburger soup, which are quick to prepare and economical, have become a go-to option for families.
Why Make Hamburger Soup?
A Meal for Any Occasion
Hamburger soup is a great dish for almost any occasion, from casual family dinners to meal prepping for the week. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and the recipe is highly customizable. Whether you want to stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this soup delivers.
If you’re a fan of low-carb meals, hamburger soup is easily adapted by replacing starchy vegetables like potatoes with lower-carb alternatives, such as cauliflower. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply use a gluten-free broth, and you’re good to go!
A Versatile, Hearty Dish
One of the best things about hamburger soup is its versatility. For instance, you can easily add or omit ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry. If you’re running low on potatoes, simply add more carrots or some frozen vegetables. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier version, you can throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. As a result, the possibilities are truly endless!
Moreover, if you’re cooking for a larger group or planning to freeze some meals for later, this soup doubles or triples easily. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Nutritional Value
Hamburger soup is more than just a comfort food; it’s packed with nutrients. The protein from ground beef helps build and repair tissues, while the vegetables contribute a variety of vitamins and minerals essential for overall health. The broth adds hydration and depth of flavor without many added calories.
For health-conscious individuals, this dish can be lightened up by using lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute. You can also increase the vegetable content to add more fiber and antioxidants to your diet.
Ingredients for Hamburger Soup
At its core, hamburger soup requires just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this dish is that you can easily adapt it to your liking.
Core Ingredients
Here are the essential ingredients to make a delicious hamburger soup:
- Ground beef: 1 lb of lean or regular ground beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap this with ground turkey or chicken.
- Onions: 1 medium onion, chopped. Onions add depth and sweetness to the soup.
- Carrots: 3-4 carrots, peeled and chopped. These provide a slightly sweet flavor and extra nutrition.
- Celery: 3-4 celery stalks, chopped. Celery gives the soup a slight crunch and enhances the flavor.
- Potatoes: 4-5 potatoes, diced. These give the soup body and make it heartier. For a low-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower.
- Canned tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes. Tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and help build the soup’s rich flavor base.
- Beef broth: 4 cups of beef broth. You can substitute this with chicken or vegetable broth, depending on what you have on hand.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and thyme are classic options, but feel free to get creative with your spice cabinet.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to put your own spin on hamburger soup? Here are a few popular add-ins:
- Frozen peas or corn: For a pop of color and sweetness.
- Green beans: Add some texture and fiber to the soup.
- Chopped spinach or kale: A great way to sneak in some extra greens.
- Cheese: For a richer flavor, sprinkle some cheddar or parmesan on top before serving.
How to Make Hamburger Soup
Hamburger soup is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect bowl every time:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Season the soup with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! For a more indulgent meal, top each bowl with a handful of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezing: Hamburger soup freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop.
Variations on Hamburger Soup
The beauty of hamburger soup lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version or want to spice things up, here are a few creative variations:
1. Cheeseburger Soup
Turn your classic hamburger soup into a cheesy delight by adding shredded cheddar cheese and a splash of cream. This version mimics the flavors of a cheeseburger and is especially popular with kids.
2. Keto Hamburger Soup
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily adapt this recipe. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and skip the carrots. Add extra protein by including bacon or more ground beef.
3. Mexican-Inspired Hamburger Soup
For a spicier version, add taco seasoning to the soup and mix in black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños. Top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a flavorful twist.
4. Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can easily use your slow cooker to make this dish. First, brown the beef, and then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Next, set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or alternatively, on high for 3-4 hours. In the end, the result will be a deeply flavorful, tender soup.
Health Benefits of Hamburger Soup
Aside from being delicious, hamburger soup also has several nutritional benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding this dish to your weekly meal rotation:
Protein-Packed
With its base of ground beef, hamburger soup is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Protein also helps keep you full longer, making this soup an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Fiber-Rich
With the addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, hamburger soup becomes rich in fiber. Moreover, fiber plays a crucial role in digestion by helping to regulate bowel movements and, in addition, can lower cholesterol levels.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals
Hamburger soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots provide vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function, while celery offers a good dose of vitamin K, important for blood clotting. Potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Low in Calories
While hamburger soup is filling, it doesn’t have to be calorie-heavy. By using lean ground beef or turkey, you can significantly reduce the fat content of the dish. Additionally, the broth-based soup has fewer calories than cream-based alternatives.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup
Here are a few tips to ensure your hamburger soup turns out perfect every time:
- Don’t skip browning the beef: Browning the meat enhances its flavor and prevents it from becoming rubbery in the soup.
- Season as you go: Don’t wait until the end to add seasoning. Seasoning the soup in layers helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Add broth sparingly: Start with the recommended amount of broth, but you can always add more if you want a thinner soup. It’s harder to reduce the liquid once it’s added.
- Experiment with herbs and spices: While oregano and thyme are classic, don’t be afraid to try different herbs like rosemary, basil, or even cumin for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I Freeze Hamburger Soup?
Yes, hamburger soup is an excellent candidate for freezing. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
How Long Does Hamburger Soup Last in the Refrigerator?
Hamburger soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use?
It’s best to use lean ground beef (around 85-90% lean) for hamburger soup. This will give you great flavor without too much grease. However, regular ground beef can also work—just be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.
Can I Make Hamburger Soup in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make the recipe in an Instant Pot, simply brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and allow a natural release for 5-10 minutes before serving.
With this detailed guide to making hamburger soup, you now have all the tools you need to create a delicious and nutritious meal for any occasion. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or trying out one of the variations, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
While discussing side dishes or serving ideas for hamburger soup, you can link to the post on sourdough discard crackers as a crunchy complement to the soup.
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