Hamburger Soup Canning Recipe

When the chill of autumn settles in and you crave something warm, hearty, and comforting, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Hamburger Soup. This classic, rich dish has become a favorite in many households, known for its savory broth, tender ground beef, and a medley of vegetables. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or preserve some homemade goodness for the future, this Hamburger Soup Canning Recipe is an excellent choice. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also a great option for stocking up on meals that can be enjoyed all year round.

Canning soup might sound complicated at first, but it’s surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of it. By preserving the soup in jars, you can enjoy the taste of home-cooked comfort food even on busy days when you don’t feel like cooking. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making this Hamburger Soup a pantry staple!

Hamburger Soup Canning Recipe

This Hamburger Soup recipe is perfect for canning, as it’s both filling and packed with flavor. The method we’re following ensures that each jar is sealed and safe for long-term storage. And, the best part? When you’re ready to enjoy it, all you need to do is heat it up! Let’s dive into how you can create this soul-soothing soup from scratch, can it, and have it ready to enjoy at your convenience.

Ingredients Needed

Before you can get to cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients that come together to create a delicious, homemade Hamburger Soup:

• Ground beef (2 pounds): The heart of the soup. It provides the meaty flavor and a rich base.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a savory, aromatic quality to the soup.
• Carrots (3 medium, sliced): These contribute a slight sweetness and color to the soup.
• Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Potatoes (3 medium, diced): Make the soup hearty and filling, absorbing all those great flavors.
• Tomatoes (2 large, diced): Adds acidity and tang that cuts through the richness of the beef.
• Beef broth (6 cups): Forms the base of the soup, giving it a savory, comforting flavor.
• Green beans (1 cup, chopped): A classic vegetable in many soups, they bring texture and freshness.
• Frozen peas (1 cup): These offer a pop of sweetness and color.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
• Bay leaves (2): For aromatic depth.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for perfecting the soup.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that adds complexity and warmth to the broth.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and meat, adding a light richness.
• Vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): A small splash of vinegar can brighten up the soup and balance the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients prepped and ready, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Hamburger Soup that’s ideal for canning:

1. Prepare The Ground Beef

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Build The Broth

   Add the beef broth to the pot, followed by the diced potatoes, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine. Add the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer The Soup

   Bring the soup to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add The Green Beans And Peas

   After the soup has simmered, add the green beans and peas. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

6. Taste And Adjust Seasonings

   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little more tang, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar to balance the flavors.

7. Prepare For Canning

   While the soup is simmering, sterilize your jars by placing them in a hot water bath or in the dishwasher. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean towel to remove any residue, then seal with sterilized lids and rings.

8. Can The Soup

   Process the jars in a pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your altitude. For most altitudes, process the soup at 10-15 PSI for 75 minutes. Make sure to follow the pressure canner instructions closely to ensure safety.

9. Cool And Store

   Once the canning process is complete, carefully remove the jars from the pressure canner and let them cool. After cooling, check that the lids have sealed properly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place, and they should last for up to a year!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Hamburger Soup brings something special to the table, and understanding their roles can help you make adjustments based on your preferences:

• Ground Beef: Not only does it give the soup its hearty texture, but it also infuses the broth with a rich, savory flavor. You can opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content or go for a fattier cut for a richer, more indulgent taste.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the beef. Using fresh tomatoes is great, but canned or even crushed tomatoes can work wonders too.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add a starchy, satisfying element that makes this soup a meal in itself. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the broth.
• Herbs and Spices: The Italian seasoning blend gives the soup a comforting, Mediterranean-inspired touch, but feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Vegetables: The carrots, celery, peas, and green beans give the soup texture, color, and a variety of nutrients. You can also swap them out based on availability or personal taste-try adding corn or zucchini for a twist!

Expert Tips

To ensure your Hamburger Soup turns out perfectly every time and is suitable for canning:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Meat: When browning the beef, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Doing so will cause the meat to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful base.
• Use a Pressure Canner: For safety, it’s essential to use a pressure canner when preserving soup, as it ensures the soup reaches a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria, making it safe for long-term storage.
• Headspace is Key: When canning, always leave about 1 inch of headspace in the jar to allow for expansion and prevent overflow during the pressure process.
• Cool the Jars Properly: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps maintain the seal and ensures proper preservation.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Hamburger Soup is already pretty great, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:

• Swap the Beef for Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef.
• Add Beans: For extra protein and texture, you can throw in a cup of kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
• Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: For a more earthy, sweet flavor, try substituting the regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes.

Final Words

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Hamburger Soup. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re cooking it fresh or canning it for later, this recipe offers flexibility and endless opportunities for customization. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to preserve a taste of homemade goodness for those busy days when you need a quick meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.