Hamburger Soup

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start to soften.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, water, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Season the Soup: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen corn and green beans. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the frozen vegetables are heated through.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hamburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Tips

• Lean Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the soup.
• Even Cooking: Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or reduce the amount of water.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as potatoes, zucchini, or peas.

Perfect Pairings

Hamburger Soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch.