Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Picture yourself on a chilly evening, wrapped in the comforting aroma of Hamburger Vegetable Soup simmering on the stove.

There’s something about this hearty, easy-to-make meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

With a medley of vibrant vegetables and tender ground beef, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a delightful, nourishing experience.

Let’s bring this dish to life and savor the cozy warmth it offers.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 chopping board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup elbow macaroni

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while making Hamburger Vegetable Soup, here’s a suggested timeline, including additional time for reading and preparation:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes):
   • Minute 1-5: Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
   • Minute 6-10: Measure out the beef broth, water, and spices. Have the frozen mixed vegetables and elbow macaroni ready.
   • Minute 11-15: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Cook Time (45 minutes):
   • Minute 16-20: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
   • Minute 21-25: Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
   • Minute 26-30: Stir in carrots, celery, and green bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes.
   • Minute 31-35: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Season with salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano.
   • Minute 36-65: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
   • Minute 66-70: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and elbow macaroni. Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
4. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 71-75: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Drain excess fat from the pot.

Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.

Stir in carrots, celery, and green bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water to the pot.

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and elbow macaroni.

Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.

Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the hearty soup.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and invigorating contrast.
• Grated Cheese: Top with grated Parmesan or cheddar for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offer a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy, crunchy complement.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro to add a burst of color and vitality.

Storage

To store Hamburger Vegetable Soup, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Hamburger Vegetable Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Label with the date. Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Hamburger Vegetable Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.

Stir halfway through to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any season.

Its combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory spices creates a satisfying meal.

The recipe is versatile, allowing for personalization with different vegetables or spices.

Enjoy this classic American soup with your favorite bread or a simple side salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely, you can substitute turkey for ground beef. It’ll lighten the dish and offer a different flavor profile. Make certain you season well to enhance taste, and consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory touch.

What Can I Substitute for Elbow Macaroni?

You can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. These will maintain texture and capture the soup’s flavors beautifully. Enhance presentation by using colorful pasta varieties to add visual appeal.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?

You can create a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. Enhance flavor with smoked paprika or soy sauce. Present with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for visual appeal.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

To spice up the soup, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. Enhance flavor with cayenne pepper and present with a garnish of sliced green onions for a vibrant touch.

Can Canned Mixed Vegetables Be Used Instead of Frozen?

You can use canned mixed vegetables instead of frozen ones. Just drain them well before adding to the soup. This swap slightly alters texture, but maintains flavor. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking the vegetables.