Hamburger Vegetable Soup With V8 Juice Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting about a big bowl of soup, and when that soup combines hearty ingredients with rich flavors, it can truly be a meal in itself. Hamburger Vegetable Soup with V8 Juice is one of those dishes that has all the elements you want from a comforting soup: savory, filling, packed with veggies, and full of delicious depth. It’s perfect for chilly days, when you’re looking for something nourishing and satisfying to warm you up.

This recipe takes the classic hamburger soup to the next level by incorporating V8 Juice, which adds a tangy, vegetable-packed base that enhances the overall flavor profile. The combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables simmered in V8 Juice results in a soup that’s hearty enough to be a one-pot meal, but also light enough for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can adjust it based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.

Let’s dive in and break down this recipe, from the ingredients you’ll need to the expert tips and potential variations you can try. Trust me, after making this once, it’ll be a go-to in your soup rotation.

Hamburger Vegetable Soup With V8 Juice Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys a balanced and hearty soup. The V8 juice brings a burst of vegetable goodness, while the hamburger provides the protein and richness that makes this soup feel like a meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a big batch for leftovers, this recipe is simple to prepare and guarantees a satisfying dish every time.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef (1 lb) – Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing a rich, savory flavor that gives the soup its meaty base. You can opt for lean ground beef or 80/20 beef for more flavor.
• V8 Juice (46 oz) – This is the liquid base for the soup. V8 Juice is full of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, celery, and beets, which add both flavor and nutrition. It also gives the soup a nice tangy undertone.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Onions are a must in almost every soup! They provide sweetness and depth, balancing the tangy V8 Juice.
• Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced) – Carrots add a natural sweetness to the soup and contribute a satisfying texture.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Celery is one of the foundational vegetables in this soup, offering a bit of crunch and a mild flavor.
• Green beans (1 cup, chopped) – Green beans add color, texture, and a fresh taste to the soup. You can use fresh or frozen.
• Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned) – Sweet corn brings a pop of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory meat and tangy V8 Juice.
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced) – Potatoes add substance and help thicken the soup as it simmers. They also bring a comforting, creamy texture once cooked through.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic provides a savory punch, complementing the ground beef and vegetables.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – Tomato paste deepens the flavor, making the soup richer without overpowering the vegetable notes from the V8 Juice.
• Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that you’ll need to adjust based on your personal taste. The salt brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables and meat, while the pepper adds a subtle kick.
• Herbs (optional) – A combination of thyme, parsley, or basil can elevate the soup even further. You can use dried or fresh herbs, depending on what you have available.

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion becomes translucent. This step brings out the sweetness in the vegetables and gives them a nice flavor base.

3. Add The Garlic

   • Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This will release its aromatic flavor into the soup.

4. Add The Liquid And Simmer

   • Pour in the V8 Juice and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the tomato paste, green beans, corn, and diced potatoes. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Simmer Until Tender

   • Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

6. Season To Taste

   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a little more spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. For a complete meal, pair it with a slice of warm bread or a side salad.

Ingredient Insights

• V8 Juice: This drink is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a blend of vegetable juices like tomatoes, carrots, celery, and spinach. It not only gives the soup a bright color but also boosts the overall flavor without needing extra seasoning or stock.
• Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef reduces the fat content of the soup while maintaining its hearty, meaty flavor. For a twist, you could try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are an essential in many soups for their ability to soak up flavors while providing a creamy texture as they break down during cooking. They also make the soup more filling.
• Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can really elevate the soup, providing a layer of freshness. Fresh herbs should be added toward the end of cooking to maintain their bright flavor, while dried herbs can be added earlier on.

Expert Tips

• Use a Quality Ground Beef: The better quality the beef, the more flavor the soup will have. Opt for grass-fed beef if you want a more robust taste and higher nutritional value.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables you use. Peas, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be great additions, depending on what you enjoy.
• Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding the V8 Juice.
• Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days and freezes well too. Make a double batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb option, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or turnips, which will still provide a hearty texture without the starch.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and use lentils or quinoa as a protein source. You can also increase the amount of beans and add more vegetable stock in place of the V8 Juice for a lighter soup.
• Spicy Version: For those who love a bit of heat, stir in some diced green chilies, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy sausage in place of the ground beef.
• Instant Pot Version: If you have an Instant Pot, you can use it to make this soup even faster. Set it to pressure cook for 10 minutes after sautéing the vegetables and ground beef, and then release the pressure naturally.

Final Words

This Hamburger Vegetable Soup with V8 Juice is a perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that can be thrown together on a busy weeknight but still feel like a comforting, soul-warming meal. The V8 Juice gives it a unique twist, infusing the soup with deep vegetable flavors that make each spoonful richer than the last. Plus, it’s customizable to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile recipe to have in your rotation.