Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the main protein and a rich, savory flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, aromatic touch.

Beef broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding a robust, meaty flavor.

Diced tomatoes: Contributes acidity and a slight sweetness, balancing the flavors.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture.

Celery: Brings a slight bitterness and crunch to the soup.

Potatoes: Adds heartiness and helps to thicken the soup slightly.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces to ensure even cooking and a better texture in the soup. Adding the onion and garlic after draining the excess fat helps to build a deeper flavor base. For a richer taste, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. When adding the diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and potatoes, ensure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together, so be patient and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a lighter alternative and absorbs flavors well.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, making them a good alternative.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor and add a unique texture to the soup.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth is a lighter alternative that still adds depth to the soup.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option that maintains the soup's flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used for a smoother texture and similar taste.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter flavor and similar texture when cooked.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different sweetness and a unique texture to the soup.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild anise flavor and similar crunch, adding a unique twist.

• celery - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers provide a different flavor and crunch, adding color to the soup.

• potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and are slightly sweeter.

• potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be diced and used as a low-carb alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the soup's taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute with a slightly different mineral taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat with a slightly different flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used in smaller amounts.

• Allow the hamburger soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of freshness and use the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The hamburger soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its hearty flavor.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and meat.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a simmer. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors. A pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper can revive the taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if desired, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade hamburger soup.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the hamburger soup into a pot.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
  3. Once the soup starts to simmer and is heated through, it's ready to serve.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the hamburger soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed until the soup is hot.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Pour the hamburger soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup is thoroughly heated, it’s ready to serve.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the hamburger soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  4. Check the temperature and heat longer if necessary until the soup is hot.

• Large pot: Use this to brown the ground beef and cook the soup. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ground beef, onions, and garlic, as well as mixing the soup ingredients.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the carrots, celery, and potatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and sturdy surface for chopping and slicing all the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Use these to accurately measure the beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and potatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the salt and black pepper.

• Colander: Useful for draining any excess fat from the browned ground beef.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to save time on making your own.

One-pot cooking: Cook everything in a single pot to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick defrosting: If using frozen ground beef, defrost it in the microwave to save time.