You know those days when the chill of autumn air makes you crave something warm and comforting, yet you don’t want to spend the whole evening slaving away in the kitchen? That’s exactly where my easy hamburger soup comes in! This is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with hearty ingredients that come together beautifully in one pot. I remember the first time I made this soup—my family dug in, and we all just kept going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It wasn’t just the flavors that hooked us; it was the memories of home and laughter around the dinner table. Food has that wonderful way of connecting us, doesn’t it?
This easy hamburger soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something nutritious and satisfying without much fuss. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for all those busy days to come. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Just pop everything in one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, this soup won’t break the bank.
- Comforting Flavors: Each spoonful is packed with hearty goodness!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (I love russets for their creaminess!)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional, but adds great sweetness!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish, if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this cozy soup together!
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure it’s not pink! Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now!
- Add the Beef Back: Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine with the veggies.
- Mix in the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes (do not drain) and the beef broth. Stir well.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Potatoes: Once boiling, add the diced potatoes and return to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Finish with Corn: If using, stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Grab a big spoon and dive in!
Pro Tips & Variations
This is where you can really play chef! Here are some fun twists and tips for your hamburger soup:
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne or use chili powder for a spicy kick!
- Veggie Lovers: Feel free to throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge, like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor. Toss them in just before serving!
- Beans: For added protein, consider adding a can of kidney beans or black beans—just rinse first!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying this soup, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping—nothing beats that comforting combo! You could also pair it with a fresh salad on the side, or even over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal. My kids enjoy a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, and I must say, it does add that extra creamy goodness!
Storage Tips
Have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your delicious hamburger soup fresh:
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot throughout. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lighter option, or you could even make a vegetarian version using mushrooms or lentils as a substitute for the beef. Get creative!
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! This is one of those meals that even picky eaters love. The flavors are mild yet comforting, and you can add any veggies your kids enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to pair with things like crackers or cheese!
Can I prep this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop all your veggies and brown the meat in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, sauté the veggies, add the meat, and follow the rest of the steps. It’s a great time-saver!
What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth or even chicken broth instead. Just adjust the seasoning as needed since different broths can vary in saltiness.
How does this soup store and reheat?
As mentioned earlier, it keeps well in the fridge for several days and freezes beautifully. When reheating, just be sure to stir and add a little extra liquid if necessary. It can thicken when stored!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy every cozy spoonful of this easy hamburger soup as much as I do! There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a meal that comes together so effortlessly and brings everyone to the table. I invite you to leave a comment below to share how yours turned out or any special twists you decided to add. Happy cooking, my friends!
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Ultimate Easy Hamburger Soup Deliciously Simple Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delve into our Easy Hamburger Soup recipe Enjoy a quick tasty bowl of comfort with minimal prepperfect for busy nights Try it today 153 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A warm and comforting easy hamburger soup perfect for weeknight dinners, filled with hearty ingredients and ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
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