A Warm Embrace in a Bowl: Hearty Hamburger Soup
Immerse yourself in the comforting warmth of a classic with this Hearty Hamburger Soup recipe. Imagine a steaming bowl brimming with juicy ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato broth – the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weekdays. This soup isn't just about deliciousness; it's quick and easy to prepare, kind to your wallet, and reheats beautifully, making it a meal-planning dream come true.
A Symphony of Savory Flavors:
This soup is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a harmonious blend of:
- Hearty Ground Beef: The foundation of this comforting dish. Lean ground beef keeps the fat content in check while offering a satisfying meaty base.
- Flavorful Vegetables: A medley of vegetables adds pops of color, texture, and a delightful array of flavors.
- Rich Tomato Broth: The base of the soup, infused with vibrant tomatoes and seasoned to perfection, creates a warm and inviting hug in a bowl.
A Straightforward Journey: Ingredients and Instructions
Now, let's transform these elements into a comforting and delicious Hearty Hamburger Soup:
Ingredients:
- For the Savory Base:
- 2 pounds Lean Ground Beef – The heart of the soup. Opt for lean ground beef to manage the fat content.
- 1 White Onion, Diced – Adds depth of flavor as it cooks and releases its essence into the broth.
- Seasoning Symphony:
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper – A touch of heat to awaken your taste buds. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano – Earthy and aromatic, oregano infuses the soup with a subtle Italian touch.
- ½ teaspoon Dried Basil – Adds a hint of peppery sweetness, complementing the other herbs and spices.
- ¼ teaspoon Seasoning Salt – A blend of salt and other spices for a convenient savory boost.
- 1 (1 ½ ounce) envelope Onion Soup Mix – A shortcut to adding layers of flavor. Onion soup mix typically contains dehydrated onions, herbs, and spices.
- Broth and Tomatoes:
- 6 cups Water – The base of the liquid. You can adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency, thicker or thinner.
- 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce – Adds vibrant tomato flavor and rich color to the broth.
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce – Provides a touch of umami depth, enhancing the overall savory profile of the soup.
- 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, Undrained – Chunks of tomatoes add pops of juicy flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Medley:
- 1 (15 ounce) can Corn, Drained – Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and pops of color.
- 1 cup Celery, Sliced – Celery adds a subtle vegetal flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- ¼ cup Celery Leaves, Coarsely Chopped – The celery leaves add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
- 1 cup Fresh Carrot, Sliced – For a touch of sweetness and a pop of orange color.
- 1 cup White Potato, Peeled and Cut into Small Cubes – Potatoes add heartiness and thicken the soup slightly as they cook.
- Finishing Touches:
- Garlic Salt, to taste – A final touch of savory garlicky goodness. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese, to serve (Optional) – Adds a salty and nutty complexity when sprinkled on top of each serving.
- Sour Cream, to serve (Optional) – A dollop of sour cream adds a touch of coolness and creaminess to contrast the hot soup.
Instructions:
- Building the Savory Base:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Infusing the Broth:
- Add the water, tomato sauce, soy sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), onion soup mix, and all the seasonings (black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and seasoning salt) to the pot with the browned ground beef and onion. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
- A Symphony of Vegetables:
- Add the corn, celery, celery leaves, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- A Touch of Magic:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more black pepper for heat, a pinch of salt for savoriness, or a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Serving Up Comfort:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and turn off the heat.
- The Grand Finale:
While optional, these finishing touches elevate the soup to a whole new level:
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese over each serving for a salty and nutty complexity.
- Sour Cream: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream on top for a touch of coolness and creaminess, creating a delightful contrast to the hot soup.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer soup: You can use ground beef with a higher fat content. However, keep in mind that this will also increase the calorie count.
- Don't have fresh celery leaves? You can substitute with a teaspoon of dried celery flakes.
- Change up the vegetables! This soup is a great base for customization. Here are some ideas:
- Add a cup of frozen peas for a pop of green and extra sweetness.
- Include a chopped green bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color.
- For a heartier soup, add a cup of cooked brown rice or barley.
- Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The Joy of Comfort Food:
This Hearty Hamburger Soup recipe is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. It's a warm and inviting dish that's easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. So, the next time you crave a taste of comfort, gather your ingredients, and embrace the warmth of this delicious soup in a bowl.
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