Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe – Happy Muncher (2024)

I’ve perfected an Easy Hamburger Soup recipe that’s both delicious and simple.

This dish combines ground beef, vegetables, and a secret ingredient for a hearty meal without the long prep.

Stay tuned for the unforgettable twist.

11 Best Herbs and Spices For Hamburger Soup

Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe

I’ll show you an easy way to whip up a delicious Easy Hamburger Soup that only takes a few simple steps. Let’s start by grabbing our largest pot and setting it over medium heat. It’s crucial to let it warm up a bit before tossing in the ground beef. I always make sure to crumble the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it gets nicely browned all over. Once it’s fully cooked, I drain off any excess grease to keep our soup from being too oily.

Next, I pour in water and beef broth into the pot, letting everything come to a gentle simmer. This creates the flavorful base of our soup. Then, I turn down the heat a tad, allowing all the ingredients to blend together nicely.

What I love about this Easy Hamburger Soup is how simple and satisfying it is. I often use this recipe as a starting point, throwing in whatever veggies I’ve lying around. It’s a super forgiving recipe, perfect for those evenings when I’m craving something hearty but don’t want to deal with a lot of hassle. In under an hour, I’ve got a pot full of warm, welcoming hamburger soup ready to dish out.

Ingredients You’ll Need (+ Possible Substitutes)

Are you ready to whip up a delicious batch of Hamburger Soup? Let’s get into what you’ll need and how we can improvise if you’re missing an ingredient or two.

First off, the MVP of our soup is ground beef. But hey, if that’s not in the fridge, ground turkey or even a veggie ground meat substitute will do the trick just as well.

Now, for the tomatoes, we’re looking at diced ones. Got only fresh tomatoes? No worries, just chop them up and maybe add a splash more liquid to balance it out. The beef broth is what gives our soup that mouth-watering depth, but if you’re out, chicken or vegetable broth are totally fine substitutes.

We can’t forget about the veggies – carrots, celery, and onions are what make this soup not just tasty but also wholesome. If you’re missing any of these, feel free to double up on another or toss in any veggies you have. And yes, frozen veggies are absolutely an option.

For that final touch, we’re sprinkling in some dried herbs. If your pantry’s lacking Italian seasoning, just mix together whatever dried herbs you have – basil, oregano, or even a little rosemary can save the day.

How To Make It

Let’s walk through the process of whipping up some delicious Hamburger Soup. I start by cooking the ground beef in a big pot over medium heat. As it cooks, I break it apart to make sure it cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors. Once it’s perfectly browned and there’s no pink left, I get rid of any extra fat to avoid a greasy soup.

After that, I toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pot with the beef. I cook them all together until the veggies start to soften and the onion turns clear. This step is key for creating a rich base for our soup.

Next up, I pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. I give it all a good stir, making sure to get those tasty bits off the bottom of the pot. Then, I bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer gently.

• Brown the ground beef and drain off any extra fat.
• Cook the onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
• Add in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
• Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.

After letting it simmer for about 20 minutes, I season the soup with salt, pepper, and a mix of herbs to bring out all the cozy, delicious flavors of the Hamburger Soup. It’s the perfect dish for any time you’re in need of some comfort food.

Tips For Success

After getting the hang of whipping up a cozy Hamburger Soup, I’ve picked up a handful of tricks that really take it to the next level. Mixing different types of ground meat, like beef and pork, has been a game-changer for me. It adds such a rich, complex flavor to the soup. I suggest playing around with the mix until you hit on the combo that tastes just right to you.

One thing I’ve learned not to skimp on is browning the meat properly. It’s not just about cooking it all the way through; it’s about getting that delicious caramelization on the outside. That’s where a lot of the magic happens in terms of flavor. And when it comes to veggies, I always give them a quick sauté before tossing them in the pot. It brings out their best, making sure they don’t just fade into the background.

Patience is key with the simmering. Letting the soup bubble away slowly ties all those tasty elements together perfectly. And if it’s looking a bit too thick, I’ll thin it out with a splash of broth, so it’s just right without losing any of that hearty taste.

The most important tip? Keep tasting and tweaking the seasoning as you cook. That way, you end up with a pot of Hamburger Soup that’s spot on, every single time.

Serving Suggestions

To take your Hamburger Soup to the next level, think about serving it with some crusty bread or a fresh side salad to round out the meal. I’ve discovered that the straightforward nature of this soup welcomes a variety of sides, tailored to how you’re feeling or what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re cozying up with this comforting bowl on a cold night or sharing it at a laid-back dinner gathering, the perfect accompaniments can turn it into an unforgettable culinary event.

Here are a few of my go-to serving suggestions to enhance the flavors of the Hamburger Soup:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This is the ultimate pairing in comfort food territory. A golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwich dunked into the savory soup is unbeatable.
• Cornbread: A piece of warm, buttery cornbread offers a sweet and soft contrast to the robust soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: For those looking for a healthier side, roasted vegetables bring a delightful texture and earthy flavors to the table.
• Garlic Bread: The aromatic flavor of garlic bread complements the rich taste of the soup wonderfully.
• A sprinkle of grated cheese: Adding a sprinkle of grated cheddar or parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving introduces an additional layer of yumminess.

Incorporating these sides makes the meal even more heartwarming and satisfying, guaranteeing that everyone will be asking for seconds!

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Storing, freezing, and reheating Hamburger Soup the right way means you can always have this cozy dish on hand for when you’re in the mood for it. I’ve discovered that the best way to keep the soup in the fridge is by using an airtight container, which keeps it good for up to three days. Remember, it’s important not to leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent any bacteria from growing.

When it comes to freezing, my trick is to let the soup cool down completely first before I put it into freezer-safe bags or containers. I always leave a bit of space at the top since liquids tend to expand when they freeze. Doing this, I’ve been able to keep Hamburger Soup for as long as three months. Thawing it overnight in the fridge seems to work best if you want to keep all those delicious flavors intact.

Reheating is a breeze. I usually go for reheating it in a pot on the stove at medium heat, making sure to stir it now and then so it heats up evenly. But if I’m pressed for time, the microwave is my go-to. I just pop it into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or some microwave-safe wrap, and make sure to stir it halfway through the heating process to avoid any cold spots. This way, I always end up with a warm and inviting bowl of Hamburger Soup, tasting almost like it’s fresh out of the pot.