Hamburger Soup Recipe

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

Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup.

Carrots: Contributes a subtle sweetness and texture.

Celery: Offers a mild, aromatic flavor and crunch.

Beef broth: Forms the rich, savory liquid base of the soup.

Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a fresh tomato flavor.

Frozen corn: Provides a pop of sweetness and color.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

Dried basil: Infuses the soup with a sweet, herbal aroma.

Dried oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

When browning the ground beef, ensure the pot is hot enough to create a nice sear, which will enhance the flavor of the soup. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. After draining the excess fat, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom before adding the vegetables. This step adds depth to the overall taste of the soup.

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

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and add a different texture to the soup.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste and similar texture when cooked.

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

• celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and a crunchy texture similar to celery.

• celery stalks - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini provides a mild flavor and similar texture when sliced.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth offers a lighter flavor but still provides a savory base for the soup.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option that maintains the soup's flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar tomato flavor and consistency.

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

• frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn is readily available and offers a similar taste and texture.

• frozen corn - Substitute with peas: Peas add a sweet flavor and a pop of color, similar to corn.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor with an umami depth.

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

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more vibrant flavor; use more than the dried version.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning includes oregano and other herbs, providing a similar flavor.

• Allow the hamburger soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps maintain the integrity of the vegetables and beef while preventing condensation inside the storage container.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you can easily identify your soup and keep track of how long it has been stored.

• For refrigerator storage, keep the soup in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the vegetables crisp.

• For freezing, the soup can be stored for up to 3 months. The flavors will remain robust, and the texture of the vegetables will hold up well.

• When ready to enjoy your stored soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the soup.

• Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method preserves the aroma and taste of the ingredients.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This ensures even heating and prevents any vegetables from becoming mushy.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover hamburger soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Heat until the soup is steaming hot, about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the soup is thoroughly heated.

• Slow Cooker Method: Pour the leftover soup into a slow cooker. Set it to low and let it warm for 1-2 hours. This method is perfect for when you have time to let the flavors meld even further while gently reheating.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout. This method is great if you're reheating a large batch and want to avoid stovetop stirring.

• Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl with the soup over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. This gentle method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and ground beef.

• Large pot: A spacious cooking vessel used for browning the ground beef and simmering the soup, ensuring even heat distribution.

• Wooden spoon: A sturdy utensil for stirring the ingredients, helping to combine flavors without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and slicing the carrots and celery with precision.

• Cutting board: A stable surface to safely chop and slice vegetables, keeping your countertop clean.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the beef broth and other liquid ingredients, ensuring the right balance of flavors.

• Can opener: Handy for opening the can of diced tomatoes, making it easy to add them to the soup.

• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from the browned ground beef, promoting a healthier dish.

• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls, allowing for easy portioning and presentation.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare your onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.

Frozen vegetables: Use pre-sliced frozen carrots and celery to cut down on prep time.

One-pot cooking: Cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup time.