Hamburger Soup Recipes: A Comfort Food Classic
Hamburger soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend. It's surprisingly versatile, adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, and a fantastic way to use leftover hamburger. This guide will explore several delicious hamburger soup recipes, offering variations to suit your preferences.
Classic Hamburger Soup Recipe
This recipe delivers a rich and satisfying hamburger soup experience.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans (if using), oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, partially covered.
- Add pasta: Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Variations on the Classic
The beauty of hamburger soup is its adaptability. Here are a few variations to try:
Spicy Hamburger Soup:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Hamburger Soup:
Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Creamy Hamburger Soup:
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, richer flavor.
Cheesy Hamburger Soup:
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese during the last few minutes of cooking and stir until melted.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can become tough. Brown it well, but avoid over-browning.
- Use quality broth: The quality of your broth significantly impacts the flavor of the soup.
- Season to taste: Adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, potatoes, or green beans.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and beans to create your unique hamburger soup recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hamburger soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad is also a great accompaniment. Enjoy!
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