Warm up with a bowl of hamburger vegetable soup, a delightful blend of tender ground beef and a variety of colorful vegetables simmered to perfection. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients create a satisfying experience that everyone will love. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced potatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) of hamburger vegetable soup contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. This is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in diced carrots, celery, and potatoes.
5. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.
9. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn based on your preference.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also delicious paired with grilled cheese sandwiches or crackers for added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the beef can make it tough; cook until just browned.
- Not seasoning enough can lead to bland soup; taste and adjust seasonings.
- Adding too many starchy vegetables can thicken the soup excessively.
- Skipping the simmering step may result in less developed flavors.
- Using low-quality broth can affect the overall taste.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
- Top with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add a great texture and flavor; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Hamburger vegetable soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or as a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again!
Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in diced carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
