If you are seeking a bowl of comfort, this heartwarming Hamburger Soup Recipe sure feels like home. From your first bite to the bowl-scraping last taste, this is the warmth you crave.
The Magic of Homemade Hamburger Soup
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of homemade soup. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, a culinary hug on a chilly evening. And when that soup is brimming with garden-fresh vegetables and savory ground beef, well, it becomes something truly special. Today, we’re diving into the heart of a classic: homemade hamburger soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a homestead staple, a way to celebrate the bounty of your garden and create a nourishing, delicious meal from scratch. Imagine the aroma of simmering broth, the vibrant colors of freshly picked carrots and potatoes, and the satisfying taste of tender ground beef. That’s the magic we’re creating today. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!
This bowl of soup is hearty enough to serve just by itself as a meal. Loaded with your favorite vegetables, potatoes, and a nourishing beef bone broth base, you will find yourself calling on this delicious stand-by meal time and time again. Mamaw’s hamburger soup recipe is such a filling and wonderful way to reinvent a basic meat and potatoes meal!
How to make this hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe
This is an easy weekday lunch when it is really cold outside. Obviously the prep-work is where you will have to focus the most time. Once it’s in the pot, the magic can keep happening while you are busy with other tasks. When I prepare this meal in the instant pot, I do the browning with the sauté function then I switch over to the slow cooker feature for the rest of the cook time if I am serving this later.
Otherwise, if I am not making my Hamburger Soup Recipe ahead of time, I will just prepare it on the stove-top as I go. This really is one of those meals from scratch that is so busy Mama friendly that I don’t know what I ever did without it!
Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions: Your Hamburger Soup Queries Answered
Just like a good chili, this hamburger soup recipe tastes EVEN BETTER after a night in the refrigerator. So, if you have leftovers or choose to prepare it ahead of time, nobody will mind at all. Just serve it up piping hot with a smile.
- What if my soup is too thick? Use another cup or two of the bone broth to suit your taste. This sometimes happens when reheating.
- What if I don’t have any ground beef? Use ground turkey, venison, moose, lamb or any other meat you prefer.
- Can I swap out the veggies? For goodness sake, yes! We usually have rutabagas in place of the carrots and I have used peeled, diced parsnips and/or turnips instead of potatoes. When I don’t have bell pepper, I leave it out. We have also enjoyed this with added corn, mushrooms, green beans, asparagus, and diced zucchini. Please use what your family likes and has on hand.
- Can I make Hamburger Soup in the slow cooker? Yes. Brown the ground meat, onion, celery, and garlic. Pour the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours.
- Can I freeze Hamburger Vegetable Soup? Absolutely. Allow the soup come to room temperature. Ladle into freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months or whenever you need a quick meal.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some lentils or beans for extra protein.
- How do I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Can I add pasta to the soup? Yes, you can add pasta to the soup. Small pasta shapes like macaroni or ditalini work well. Add the pasta during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
What to serve with Hamburger Soup Recipe
This wonderful soup is loaded with vegetables but I often like to serve it with a fresh green salad as well. This spinach salad with homemade goat cheese is one our our absolute favorites! A crusty loaf of French bread is always welcome as are these yeast rolls. However, if my kids find out I am making hamburger soup they always request my yummy cheddar biscuits on the side!
Hearty Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
- 2.5 Lbs Ground Chuck Can use any ground meat, such as venison.
- 1 Large Red Onion, diced
- 2 Stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic, diced
- 1 Jar Home-canned tomatoes, whole Can substitute 14.5 oz can
- 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green Bell Pepper, chop all 3
- 3 Large Carrots, quartered and sliced as preferred
- 6 Large Red Potatoes, cut into 1" cubes
- 4 Cups Beef Bone Broth May need additional
- 3 Tbs Tomato Paste
- 1 Tsp Real Salt Use to taste
- 1 Tsp Fresh Ground Pepper Use to taste
- 2 Tsp Fresh Parsley Substitute dried if you don't have fresh
- 1/2 Tsp Fresh Oregano Leaves Substitute dried if you don't have fresh
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom bot cook the meat, onion, celery, and garlic until meat is browned. Drain if desired.
- Add un-drained jar of tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes to pot.
- Pour bone broth in to cover potatoes and stir. You can add more broth if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste and seasonings.
- Allow pot to come to a boil.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to just simmering and keep there for 17 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Check to see if the consistency is to your liking and adjust/add more bone broth if needed.
Crafting Your Perfect Bowl
Gathering Your Ingredients: Fresh from Garden to Pot
One of the greatest joys of homemade hamburger soup is using the fresh produce from your garden. Think about the crispness of just-picked carrots, the earthy sweetness of homegrown potatoes, and the vibrant green of freshly chopped celery. These ingredients, lovingly nurtured from seed to harvest, bring a unique flavor to your soup that you just can’t find in store-bought versions. Of course, you can always supplement with ingredients from your local farmers market or grocery store, especially if your garden isn’t quite producing yet. The key is to prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best possible flavor.
The Heart of the Soup: Building Flavor
The foundation of any great soup is its broth. For hamburger soup, we want a rich, savory broth that complements the beef and vegetables. Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot. This crucial step adds depth of flavor. Once the beef is browned, you can add onions, garlic, and any other aromatics you enjoy. These ingredients will infuse the broth with their delicious essence. Next, add your beef broth (homemade is always a plus!), diced tomatoes, and any seasonings you like. A bay leaf, some dried herbs like thyme or oregano, and a touch of salt and pepper are all excellent additions.
Adding the Veggies: A Garden Bounty
Now comes the fun part: adding your garden bounty! Carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans are classic choices for hamburger soup. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Zucchini, corn, peas, or even some leafy greens like kale or spinach can add a unique twist. The key is to cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Add the vegetables to the simmering broth, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook, like carrots and potatoes. Then, add the quicker-cooking vegetables towards the end.
Simmering to Perfection: The Cozy Transformation
Once all the ingredients are in the pot, it’s time to let the magic happen. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and create a truly comforting and satisfying soup. As the soup simmers, your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma, a testament to the deliciousness that’s about to come.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Comfort
Homemade hamburger soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with some delicious sides. A slice of crusty homemade bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up all that flavorful broth. A simple side salad can also add a refreshing touch. And for a truly comforting meal, consider serving your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
Storing and Reheating: Making it Last
Hamburger soup is a great make-ahead meal. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop. You can also freeze hamburger soup for longer storage. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: A Bowlful of Love
Homemade hamburger soup is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort, nourishment, and the simple joys of homestead living. It’s a way to celebrate the bounty of your garden, create a delicious meal from scratch, and share it with the people you love. So, the next time you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying meal, reach for this recipe and create your own bowlful of love. Enjoy!
Flexibility and creativity will allow you to take this recipe and make it your own. If you are not quite ready for that, then my Hamburger Soup Recipe with serve as a faithful and trustworthy guide in your cooking from scratch journey. Please let me know in the comments how I can help you prepare more simple homemade meals that nourish your family well.