Hamburger And Vegetable Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both hearty and nutritious, yet simple to make, then look no further than the classic Hamburger and Vegetable Soup. This dish is the perfect balance of savory ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and comforting broth, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, cold days, or even meal prep for the week. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your stomach with warmth.

The beauty of this soup is its versatility-you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. And the best part? It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to master.

Let’s dive into the delicious details!

This Hamburger and Vegetable Soup is a hearty and filling dish that pairs ground beef with a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s like comfort in a bowl, with just the right amount of flavor to satisfy your taste buds.

This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people, so it’s perfect for family meals or even for leftovers. The combination of protein, fiber, and vitamins makes it a balanced and well-rounded dish.

What You’ll Need

Ground Beef – The star of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef or opt for a fattier cut depending on your preferences.
Vegetables – A combination of carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and potatoes (just to name a few) adds texture and nutrients.
Broth – Beef or vegetable broth serves as the base for this soup, providing a flavorful foundation.
Seasonings – A blend of herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to elevate the flavors.
Tomatoes – Adding diced tomatoes or tomato paste brings a touch of sweetness and tang to balance out the richness of the beef.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make the Hamburger and Vegetable Soup from scratch:

Protein

1 lb Ground Beef – Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can go for turkey or chicken ground meat as well.

Vegetables

2 Carrots, peeled and diced – Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
2 Celery Stalks, chopped – Offers crunch and a subtle flavor.
1 Onion, diced – Gives the soup a foundational flavor that pairs well with the beef.
2 Potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes make the soup more filling and provide a creamy texture when cooked in the broth.
1 cup Green Beans, chopped – These give a nice bite and fresh flavor.
1 cup Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to balance the dish.
1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes – For acidity and tang.

Broth

4 cups Beef or Vegetable Broth – This will be the liquid base of your soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.

Seasonings And Extras

2 cloves Garlic, minced – A must for aromatic flavor.
1 tsp Dried Thyme – Adds an earthy, herbal note.
1 tsp Dried Rosemary – Rosemary pairs beautifully with beef.
2 Bay Leaves – To add depth and a slightly floral note to the broth.
Salt and Pepper – To taste. Don’t skip these to ensure all the flavors shine through.
Olive Oil – For sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is straightforward and doesn’t take too much time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green beans and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process smoother.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the soup. Stir to combine. The herbs will infuse the broth with rich flavor as it simmers.
Simmer the Soup: Add the potatoes, green beans, and corn. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste and Adjust: Once the vegetables are cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, contributing both flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef: The beef provides the savory, meaty base for the soup. Its fat helps create a rich, flavorful broth.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes give the soup depth, while green beans and corn provide variety in texture. These ingredients are also packed with vitamins and fiber, making the soup a wholesome meal.
Broth: The broth is essential for creating the soup’s body. Beef broth brings a rich, hearty flavor, while vegetable broth is lighter but still provides depth.
Tomatoes: The acidic tomatoes cut through the richness of the beef, balancing the flavors.
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add complexity and a layer of warmth, giving the soup that comforting ’homemade’ flavor.

Expert Tips

Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked ground beef or even steak, you can use that instead of fresh ground beef. Just chop it up and add it in when you sauté the vegetables.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully! If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, simply cool it completely and freeze in airtight containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Balance the Salt: Depending on the broth you use, you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add. Always taste the soup before adding more salt, especially if you’re using a store-bought broth that may already contain plenty of sodium.
Add Greens: For a boost of nutrition, consider adding some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking. They’ll wilt down and add color and nutrients without overwhelming the flavor.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this soup is in its flexibility. Here are a few ways you can switch it up:

Swap the Protein: Instead of ground beef, use turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils, beans, or even tofu crumbles.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist.
More Herbs: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, try using fresh parsley, basil, or even oregano in place of dried herbs for an added burst of flavor.
Tomato Paste: If you want a thicker, more tomato-forward broth, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes.

Final Words

This Hamburger and Vegetable Soup is the kind of dish that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes your soul. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines the richness of beef, the heartiness of vegetables, and the comforting warmth of a homemade broth. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are anything but basic. It’s a timeless recipe that will please the whole family, whether served on a chilly evening or as a cozy meal prep option.

Hamburger And Vegetable Soup Recipe