Hearty Hamburger Soup

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if needed, but leave a little bit for flavor.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot, which adds extra flavor to the soup. Bring the soup to a simmer.

4. Season the Soup:

Add the oregano, basil, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.

5. Add the Beans and Peas:

Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, stir in the beans (drained and rinsed) and frozen peas. Continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

6. Taste and Adjust:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. If the soup needs a little extra flavor, a splash more of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the savory richness.

7. Serve:

Once the soup is hot and the flavors have come together, ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for the Best Hearty Hamburger Soup:

• Vegetable Variations: This soup is incredibly customizable based on what vegetables you have in your fridge. You can swap the carrots and celery for zucchini, corn, green beans, or even kale. Feel free to use what’s in season or whatever you have left over.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños when you sauté the onions and garlic.
• Make it Leaner: For a leaner version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also skip the beans if you want to reduce the carb content.
• Add Pasta: If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Just make sure to adjust the amount of broth to account for the pasta.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours for an even more flavorful dish.
• Freezing: Hearty Hamburger Soup freezes wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove over low heat until hot. Add a little extra broth if it thickens too much while freezing.

Why Hearty Hamburger Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food:

Hearty Hamburger Soup is the epitome of comfort food—warm, filling, and packed with flavor. The ground beef provides richness and protein, while the vegetables bring freshness and texture. The broth ties everything together into a savory, satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal at home.

It’s also a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables, making it an excellent option for picky eaters or busy families. Plus, since this recipe is so versatile, you can adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you add beans, change up the vegetables, or make it spicy, Hearty Hamburger Soup is a flexible, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year.

So, the next time you need a simple, nourishing meal that everyone will love, grab your pot and make a big batch of Hearty Hamburger Soup. It’s the ultimate solution for busy nights, chilly days, or any time you’re craving something hearty and delicious!