Easy Hamburger Soup

Introduction:

Easy Hamburger Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a staple in many households. In this SEO article, we’ll explore the simplicity and versatility of Easy Hamburger Soup, share a delicious recipe, and offer tips for creating this hearty meal with ease.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 ribs celery chopped
• 2 carrots peeled and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth
• 2 large red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes cut into small cubes
• 2 cups fresh green beans trimmed and cut into one-inch pieces
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. When ground beef is halfway done browning, add the onions, celery, and carrots. Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and onion and celery are soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Turn the heat to low and add oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
3. Add the beef broth, potatoes, and green beans, and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and corn. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until everything is tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle the Easy Hamburger Soup with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. This adds a touch of freshness to the dish and enhances its presentation.
2. Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany the soup with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. Toasted garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are excellent options for added texture and taste.
3. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For a creamy finish, top each bowl of Easy Hamburger Soup with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt. This adds richness and a tangy flavor that complements the savory broth.
4. Sprinkle with Cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle grated cheese such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan over the hot soup just before serving. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
5. Pair with Salad: Serve the Easy Hamburger Soup alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty and savory soup.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: Allow any leftover Easy Hamburger Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Store in Portions: Divide the leftover soup into single-serving portions before storing to make reheating easier and prevent waste. Label the containers with the date to track freshness.
3. Reheat Properly: Reheat the refrigerated Easy Hamburger Soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and check the temperature before serving.
4. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you’re not planning to consume the leftovers within a few days, freeze them for longer storage. Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months.
5. Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen Easy Hamburger Soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot before serving.

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Easy Hamburger Soup? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef for a lighter option. Simply substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground turkey in the recipe.
2. Can I make Easy Hamburger Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.
3. Can I freeze Easy Hamburger Soup? Yes, Easy Hamburger Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I add pasta or rice to Easy Hamburger Soup? Absolutely! Adding pasta or rice to the soup can make it heartier and more filling. Cook the pasta or rice separately according to package instructions, then stir it into the soup just before serving. Adjust the amount of broth as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Is Easy Hamburger Soup gluten-free? The soup itself is naturally gluten-free if made with gluten-free beef broth and without any added gluten-containing ingredients. However, if you plan to add pasta or barley, be sure to use gluten-free alternatives. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free if following a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion:

Easy Hamburger Soup is a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a bowl of comfort, Easy Hamburger Soup is a delicious and nutritious option that’s easy to make in your own kitchen. Try whipping up a batch of this comforting soup today and savor the cozy flavors of homemade goodness!