Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base for the soup.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the broth.

Carrots: Contributes a slight sweetness and vibrant color.

Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor and crunch.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste.

Frozen corn: Provides a pop of sweetness and texture.

Dried basil: Infuses the soup with a hint of herbal flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly peppery taste.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures even cooking and helps the meat to develop a nice, caramelized crust. Additionally, when adding the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, sauté them until they are just tender to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance 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 are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef in soups.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a slightly sweeter taste and can add a different depth of flavor.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different sweetness and a creamy texture to the soup.

• celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and adds a slight anise flavor.

• celery stalks - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy provides a similar crunch and a mild flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it is less pungent.

• 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 is lighter but can still provide a savory base for the soup.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good option for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar flavor but a different texture.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used for a smoother consistency.

• frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn is a convenient alternative and has a similar taste and texture.

• frozen corn - Substitute with fresh corn: Fresh corn can be used for a more vibrant flavor and texture.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used for a more aromatic and intense flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme provides a different but complementary herbal note.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning often contains oregano and other herbs that can enhance the soup's flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different depth of umami flavor while still providing saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.

• Allow the hamburger soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy vegetables and diluted flavors.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you 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 flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The hamburger soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and ground beef.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving, as the flavors might mellow during storage.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the hamburger soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.

• For a more even and thorough reheating, use the stovetop. Pour the leftover soup into a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. This method usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the hamburger soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the soup is hot throughout. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For those who own a slow cooker, this method is perfect for reheating without much attention. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. This method is ideal for reheating larger quantities and keeping the soup warm for extended periods.

• If you have an instant pot, use the sauté function to reheat the hamburger soup. Pour the soup into the pot and set it to sauté on low. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This method is quick and maintains the soup's texture and flavor.

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

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ground beef and vegetables without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping all the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the beef broth and frozen corn accurately.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening 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.

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and celery in advance to save time during cooking.

Use frozen garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic from the store to cut down on prep time.

Batch cook ground beef: Cook extra ground beef and freeze portions for future use.

Instant pot option: Use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process.

Pre-made broth: Use store-bought beef broth to eliminate the need for homemade stock.

One-pot cooking: Utilize a single large pot to minimize cleanup time.