Ah, ground beef soup—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, isn’t it? The kind of dish that makes you feel all cozy inside, especially after a long day hustling through life’s little dramas. I remember one chilly evening, while the world outside was all gray and drizzly, I whipped up a pot of this savory delight; the aroma alone lifted my spirits. It’s like comfort food meets a trusty old friend, with each spoonful more satisfying than the last.
Steps
- Cook the diced onion, ground beef, and minced garlic in a large pot until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf to the pot. Cover and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix in the frozen or fresh chopped vegetables and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables or fresh chopped vegetables
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1960 | Carbohydrates: 200g | Protein: 128g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 304mg | Sodium: 5536mg | Potassium: 7384mg | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 29360IU | Vitamin C: 193.6mg | Calcium: 632mg | Iron: 36.8mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat in Hamburger Soup?
- Yes, you can substitute the lean ground beef with other ground meats, such as turkey or chicken, for a different flavor profile.
- What vegetables can I add to Hamburger Soup?
- You can use a variety of vegetables in this soup. Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, but you can also add fresh ones like carrots, celery, peas, beans, and even zucchini.
- Is it possible to make Hamburger Soup without potatoes?
- Absolutely! If you don’t have potatoes or prefer pasta, you can substitute any type of pasta. Just add an extra cup of broth or water and simmer until the pasta is tender.
- How should I store Hamburger Soup for later use?
- This soup stores well. You can keep it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. Use freezer bags for individual servings to make reheating easy.
- What should I serve alongside Hamburger Soup?
- Hamburger Soup pairs well with a fresh green salad and crusty bread, like French bread with homemade garlic butter, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider using low sodium beef broth. This allows you to control the saltiness while still achieving a rich taste.
- For a quick and easy preparation, utilize frozen vegetables. This not only saves time on chopping but also helps in using up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
- If you prefer pasta over potatoes, simply add your choice of pasta and an extra cup of broth or water. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze individual servings in bags for convenient lunches or dinners later on.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot or Stockpot – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Freezer Bag Holder – Useful for holding bags open while filling them with soup for freezing.
