Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of hamburger vegetable soup, a dish that brings together hearty ground beef and an array of vibrant vegetables. This soup is not only satisfying but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dish!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 8g fat, and 3g fiber. This nutritional breakdown is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Add the mixed vegetables and oregano, stirring well.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can replace oregano for varied flavors.
Serving and Pairings
Hamburger vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy.
- Not browning the meat properly can affect flavor.
- Forgetting to season during cooking leads to bland soup.
- Using too much broth makes the soup too watery.
- Not allowing time for flavors to meld can reduce depth.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and nutrients.
– Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
– Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness.
– Consider topping with shredded cheese for a creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I make hamburger vegetable soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check the labels on canned ingredients.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini can be added; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
What is the best way to freeze this soup?
Cool the soup completely, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze.
Conclusion
Hamburger vegetable soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that warms the soul. Packed with flavors and textures, it’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy this comforting soup any day of the week, and feel free to customize it to suit your taste!
Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the mixed vegetables and oregano, stirring well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.