The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Delicious Hamburger Soup Recipe
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful soup that's both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than this hamburger soup recipe! This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. It's packed with savory beefy goodness, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will leave you wanting more. This isn't your grandma's hamburger soup; we've added some modern twists to create a truly exceptional dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose a lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Sweet onions work particularly well in this recipe.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a nice crunch and savory flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 8 cups beef broth: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor. You can also substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (though it will alter the overall taste).
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a juicy texture.
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce: Provides richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni: Or your favorite small pasta shape.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to achieve delicious results:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy. Cook until it's just al dente.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a "lighter" version: Use less ground beef and more vegetables for a healthier option.
This hamburger soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a comforting dish for a special occasion. Enjoy!
