Hamburger Soup Ree Drummond Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s not only satisfying but also relatively easy to make, look no further than Hamburger Soup. It’s one of those meals that has stood the test of time for a reason. Rich with savory beef, vegetables, and seasonings, it brings a cozy, homey feeling to the table. The recipe that we’re focusing on today is one from the ever-popular Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, whose style of cooking is all about family-friendly comfort food with a rustic, wholesome twist.

Ree Drummond’s Hamburger Soup recipe is a perfect example of a dish that’s as delicious as it is uncomplicated. It takes ground beef-a staple in so many kitchens-and transforms it into a robust, delicious soup that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for days. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in some healthy veggies without the kids (or adults) even realizing.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Ree’s take on Hamburger Soup, explore the ingredients you’ll need, walk you through the cooking process, provide expert tips for success, discuss variations of the recipe, and wrap it all up with some final thoughts. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ree Drummond’s Hamburger Soup is a classic comfort food that strikes a perfect balance between savory and satisfying. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that doesn’t take hours to prepare, yet the flavors meld together beautifully, making it a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

This dish is the epitome of “throw it all in the pot and let it simmer”. Ground beef is browned and then combined with a variety of vegetables, seasonings, and broth. The result is a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual gathering, this Hamburger Soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful Hamburger Soup to life:

Main Ingredients

Ground Beef: A classic soup base that gives the dish its rich, savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef or go for a fattier version depending on your preference.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the base of the soup. Yellow or white onions work best.
Carrots: These add a slight sweetness and texture to the soup, balancing out the savory beef.
Celery: A subtle yet necessary flavor to round out the veggie medley.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the soup an aromatic, savory kick.
Tomatoes: Ree uses diced tomatoes, which add a rich, tangy layer to the broth.
Beef Broth: The base liquid for the soup, ensuring it’s rich and satisfying.
Potatoes: Chunky potato pieces add bulk and heartiness, making the soup more filling.
Frozen Corn: A pop of sweetness and color that complements the savory beef and vegetables.
Frozen Peas: Another burst of color and a mild sweetness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are essential to bringing out all the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you’ll pull it all together. Follow these easy steps to make Ree Drummond’s Hamburger Soup:

Brown The Ground Beef
- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir occasionally and sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to become fragrant and tender but not too browned.
Add Garlic And Seasonings
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Incorporate Tomatoes And Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. This will form the base of your soup.
Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to cook through.
Add The Potatoes
- After 20 minutes, add the diced potatoes. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add The Frozen Vegetables
- Stir in the frozen corn and peas. Simmer for another 5 minutes, just enough to heat them through.
Taste And Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning at this point.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with some fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in this recipe:

Ground Beef: Ground beef is a go-to for its rich flavor and versatility. You can use lean beef for a lighter version of the soup, but don’t be afraid to go for a fattier option if you prefer a richer, more indulgent soup.
Potatoes: Potatoes are essential in making this soup hearty. They absorb some of the flavors from the broth and become tender and soft. Yukon Gold potatoes or russet potatoes are great options for this dish.
Frozen Vegetables: The beauty of using frozen peas and corn is that they are available year-round and don’t require much prep work. Plus, they add pops of color and texture that elevate the overall soup.
Italian Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs that typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sometimes garlic powder. It adds a burst of flavor to the soup and enhances the savory elements.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Hamburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

Browning the Meat: Make sure to properly brown the ground beef. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush it-let the meat get a little crispy on the edges to unlock more flavor.
Season Gradually: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning in stages. Start with a little salt and pepper, then tweak it as the soup simmers. It’s easier to add than to take away!
Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, making your own beef broth can elevate the flavor of this soup significantly. The richness of homemade broth adds another layer of comfort to the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: You want your vegetables to be tender, but not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they cook and don’t overdo it.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be tailored to suit various tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the soup an extra kick without overwhelming the flavor.
Swap the Ground Beef: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup. You can also go for ground lamb or pork for a different flavor profile.
Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, throw in some beans-like kidney beans or white beans-toward the end of cooking. They’ll absorb the soup’s flavors and make it even more filling.
Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan-friendly, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Swap the beef broth with vegetable broth, and skip the frozen peas (they may not be vegan-friendly in some cases).
Cheese: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar works wonderfully) for added richness and flavor. You could also stir in some grated Parmesan for a sharper bite.

Final Words

Ree Drummond’s Hamburger Soup is the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. The recipe is forgiving, and you can adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes or what you have in the fridge.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal or something to feed a crowd, this Hamburger Soup is sure to be a hit. The beauty of it lies in its versatility-it’s one of those recipes you can make your own, time and time again.

Hamburger Soup Ree Drummond Recipe