Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the hearty base for the soup, adding protein and richness.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor when cooked, enhancing the overall taste.

Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic element that complements the beef.

Beef broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding depth and a savory taste.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, along with a bit of texture.

Mixed vegetables: Provides a variety of textures and nutrients, making the soup more wholesome.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the soup.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This will also help the onion and garlic blend more seamlessly into the mixture, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and add a hearty texture to the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the soup well.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a more delicate and sweet taste compared to onions, adding a subtle flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience, though it has a slightly different flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used if beef broth is unavailable, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option that still provides a rich base for the soup.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used for a smoother texture and a more concentrated tomato flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar consistency with a slightly different texture.

• mixed vegetables - Substitute with frozen peas and carrots: Frozen peas and carrots provide a similar mix of vegetables and are readily available.

• mixed vegetables - Substitute with fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and green beans can be used for a fresher taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the overall taste slightly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute with a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used if a bit of heat is desired.

• Allow the hamburger soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery soup and potential spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The cold environment will keep the vegetables and ground beef fresh.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the quality of the mixed vegetables and beef broth.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a simmer. This ensures even heating and preserves the integrity of the diced tomatoes and onion.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Enjoy your reheated hamburger soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover hamburger soup into a pot.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  3. Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it warm through for about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Check that the vegetables and ground beef are heated thoroughly before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the soup is not hot enough, continue to heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover hamburger soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Allow the soup to heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the soup is hot and the vegetables are tender, it is ready to serve.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
  3. Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Stir the soup halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.
  5. Once the soup is hot and the vegetables are tender, remove from the oven and serve.

• Large pot: Used for browning the ground beef and cooking the soup. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for easy stirring.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pot without scratching the surface.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the beef broth and mixed vegetables accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.

• Colander: Useful for draining any excess fat from the browned ground beef.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables from the store instead of chopping them yourself.

Pre-cooked ground beef: Cook and freeze ground beef in advance. Just thaw and add to the soup.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cut down cooking time. Brown the beef, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Frozen garlic and onion: Use frozen minced garlic and onion to skip the chopping and save time.

Canned mixed vegetables: Opt for canned mixed vegetables to eliminate the need for cooking them separately.