Hamburger Soup Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

Hamburger soup is a cozy, satisfying dish that pairs well with comforting sides. Buttered bread rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and add a warm, homey touch.

For a richer pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches bring melty, savory goodness that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s heartiness. A fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and refreshing.

Crackers or breadsticks add a fun crunch, while cheesy garlic bread turns the meal into something indulgent and extra comforting.

What is Hamburger Soup?

Hamburger soup essentially brings together ground beef, vegetables, and often canned tomatoes in a broth, creating a robust meal that feels both casual and satisfying. 

The dish is easy to make, versatile, and can cater to various dietary needs if you’re careful with your ingredient choices.

Typically, it’s prepared on the stovetop, letting all the flavors meld beautifully. Different families have different interpretations of this dish, making it a comforting staple around dinner tables everywhere. 

Some might call it a stew, others a soup. Regardless of the label, its charm lies in its straightforward preparation and delicious outcome.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Think of hamburger soup as a big, warm hug in a bowl. The flavor profile is rich, savory, and slightly tangy. 

The beef lends umami depth while the vegetables provide an array of textures and freshness. Each spoonful may offer mild seasonings, often enhanced by herbs like parsley and garlic, making it feel both comforting and flavorful.

Tomatoes introduce acidity, brightening the dish and enhancing the overall taste. 

Depending on your choices of additional spices, such as smoked paprika, this soup can take on a delightful smoky flavor, adding to the warmth that many enjoy. 

Overall, it’s a well-rounded dish that feels hearty yet light all at once.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Hamburger Soup?

While many hamburger soup recipes exist, this one stands out for several reasons. Notably, it includes a combination of smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce, which add depth. 

The use of fresh vegetables, especially seasonal ones, keeps the soup bright and refreshing.

Incorporating both potatoes and beef creates a filling experience that’s perfect for those cold evenings. What’s more, this recipe is easily adaptive. 

Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or prepping for a gathering, you can tweak ingredients based on availability or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this comforting hamburger soup:

3 cups frozen mixed veggies or freshly chopped seasonal vegetables

1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes

1 pound extra-lean ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

10 ounces condensed tomato bisque, 1 can

28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 can

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

3 ½ cups rich beef stock

2 cloves garlic, minced finely

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add the extra-lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This step builds an essential flavor foundation.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often, cooking until the onion softens, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes

Next, toss in the peeled and cubed potatoes. Mix them well with the beef and onion. Cook for another 4 minutes to let them mingle.

Step 4: Mix in the Tomatoes and Stock

Pour in the tomato bisque and the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices. Then, add the beef stock. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

In this step, toss in the dried Italian herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let your soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows flavors to deepen and the potatoes to tenderize.

Step 7: Add Frozen Vegetables

If you’re using frozen mixed veggies, add them now. Make sure they’re well mixed in, and check for seasoning. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. This adds a splattering of color and a refreshing flavor.

Tips On Making Hamburger Soup

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh veggies. The taste difference is worth it.
   
2. Prepare Ahead: Hamburger soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors often improve after a day.
   
3. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings. Adding red pepper flakes can spice things up!
   
4. Customizable Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to swap out veggies based on what you have available. Corn, green beans, or peas work well.
   
5. Thickness Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or let it simmer longer without a lid.
   

How Can I Store This Hamburger Soup?

Storing hamburger soup is simple. Once it has cooled completely, pour it into airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, transfer the frozen soup to the fridge a day before for thawing. Heat it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutes

Sometimes, you might not have everything on hand. Here are some quick substitutes:

• Ground Beef: Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken can work as lean alternatives while still providing fullness.
  
• Potatoes: If you’re out of potatoes, Sweet Potatoes can be a delightful change, adding a hint of sweetness.
  
• Fresh Veggies: Use whatever you have handy—Zucchini or Spinach make fine additions or substitutions!
  
• Beef Stock: Chicken broth or vegetable stock can be an alternative, maintaining the essence of a soup without beef.
  

Conclusion

Hamburger soup stands out as a comforting choice, perfect for cold weather or cozy gatherings. 

With its adaptable ingredients and straightforward preparations, it’s a dish that encourages creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this soup is approachable and satisfying.

As someone who enjoys creating recipes that resonate with busy lifestyles, I can say that this soup does just that. The combination of flavors and textures meets the needs of a nourishing meal while bringing people together around the table. 

It’s often said that good food is meant to be shared, and hamburger soup does just that—making it a delightful addition to any culinary repertoire. 

So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and start making memories one bowl at a time.

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• Delicious Creamy Mashed Potatoes
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