Hamburger Soup Quick Cozy Recipe for Hearty Family Dinner
Introduction
Welcome to the world of comfort food at its finest! Today, we’re diving into the hearty and satisfying realm of Hamburger Soup. This dish is the epitome of a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and filling. As a professional chef, I’ve crafted this recipe to be both delicious and accessible, ensuring that even novice cooks can create a masterpiece in their kitchen.
Why is it Perfect for You?
easy hamburger soup recipe freezer friendly dinner ground beef soup cozy soup night healthy soup gluten free soup is more than just a meal; it’s a solution for busy families and food enthusiasts alike. This versatile dish is:
◾ Quick and easy to prepare
◾ Budget-friendly
◾ Packed with nutrients
◾ Customizable to your taste
◾ Perfect for meal prep and freezing
Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who appreciates a good, hearty meal, this Hamburger Soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients List
◾ 1 pound lean ground beef
◾ 1 medium onion, diced
◾ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◾ 2 medium potatoes, cubed
◾ 2 carrots, sliced
◾ 2 celery stalks, chopped
◾ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
◾ 4 cups beef broth
◾ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
◾ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
◾ 1 teaspoon dried basil
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat, leaving just a small amount for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for our Hamburger Soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth
Now, it’s time to add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried basil to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen mixed vegetables. These will cook quickly and retain their color and texture. Give the soup a final stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutritional Information
This Hamburger Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Calories per Person
Each serving of this hearty soup contains approximately 300-350 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable option for those watching their calorie intake.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe even healthier, consider these alternatives:
◾ Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option
◾ Increase the vegetable content and reduce the meat
◾ Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce salt intake
◾ Add more herbs for flavor without extra calories
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Hamburger Soup with a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a nice finishing touch. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcooking the vegetables, resulting in a mushy texture
◾ Under-seasoning the soup – taste and adjust as you go
◾ Adding all ingredients at once instead of layering flavors
◾ Using high-fat ground beef, which can make the soup greasy
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Hamburger Soup is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is gluten-free. However, always check your broth and other packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen. Just add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they’re properly cooked.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Conclusion
Hamburger Soup is a versatile, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a easy hamburger soup recipe freezer friendly dinner ground beef soup cozy soup night healthy soup gluten free soup option or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe has got you covered. So grab your pot and get cooking – a delicious meal awaits!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
