What Is Hamburger Soup? – This Comforting Soup Will Make Your Day
What To Know
- Add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup for a rich and creamy texture.
- Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a budget-friendly option for a large gathering, hamburger soup is sure to satisfy.
- You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by mashing some of the potatoes and adding them back to the soup.
Hamburger soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. It’s a hearty and flavorful stew made with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor that this dish delivers.
Key Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes are the traditional vegetables used in hamburger soup.
- Broth: Beef broth or chicken broth provides the base for the soup.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the flavor.
- Optional additions: Peas, corn, and tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into cubes and add them to the pot.
5. Add the seasonings: Season the soup with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add optional additions: If desired, add peas, corn, or tomatoes at this point.
8. Serve: Ladle the hamburger soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Benefits of Hamburger Soup
- Comforting: The warm, savory flavors of hamburger soup provide a sense of comfort and well-being.
- Nutritious: This soup is packed with protein from the ground beef and vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Economical: Hamburger soup is a budget-friendly dish that can feed a large family for a minimal cost.
- Versatile: You can customize the soup to your liking by adding or removing ingredients.
- Perfect for leftovers: Hamburger soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Variations on Hamburger Soup
- Creamy hamburger soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup for a rich and creamy texture.
- Spicy hamburger soup: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the soup for a fiery kick.
- Vegetable hamburger soup: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Slow cooker hamburger soup: Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Instant Pot hamburger soup: Use an Instant Pot to cook the soup in a fraction of the time.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
- Crackers: Crackers are another great accompaniment to hamburger soup.
- Salad: A simple green salad can balance out the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic pairing for hamburger soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: Grilled cheese sandwiches are a perfect complement to the warm and comforting flavors of hamburger soup.
Wrapping Up
Hamburger soup is a timeless dish that brings comfort, nourishment, and versatility to the table. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a budget-friendly option for a large gathering, hamburger soup is sure to satisfy. So next time you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal, give this classic recipe a try.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by mashing some of the potatoes and adding them back to the soup.
Q: How can I make the soup spicier?
A: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.
Q: Can I freeze hamburger soup?
A: Yes, hamburger soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Q: What are some other vegetables that I can add to hamburger soup?
A: You can add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like.