Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When the weather gets chilly or you’re in need of a warm, hearty meal, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of homemade soup. This Hamburger Soup is packed with lean ground beef, fresh aromatics, and a medley of vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Hamburger Soup Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tsp salt
• 3 tsp pepper
• 48 oz beef broth
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 28 oz can of whole tomatoes
• 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 small head of cabbage, cut into bite sized pieces
• 14.5 oz can of diced potatoes, drained
• 14.5 oz can of sliced potatoes, drained
• 14.5 oz can of carrots, drained
• 15 oz can of peas, drained
• 14.5 oz can of corn, drained
• 14.5 oz can of green beans, drained
• 16 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2 dried bay leaves
• Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, to taste (optional)
• Louisiana Hot Sauce, to taste (optional)

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Instructions to Make Hamburger Soup

1. Cook the Aromatics and Beef
   • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine the diced onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper with the ground beef. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pot.
2. Add the Liquids and Tomatoes
   • Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
3. Incorporate the Noodles and Seasonings
   • Add the dried elbow macaroni, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients, stirring to combine.
4. Bring to a Boil
   • Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Add the Vegetables
   • Reduce the heat and stir in the canned diced potatoes, sliced potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. Add additional water to ensure everything is fully submerged.
6. Simmer
   • Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles or vegetables from sticking to the bottom. Add water as needed, as the noodles will absorb a lot of liquid during cooking.
7. Adjust Seasonings
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning and Louisiana Hot Sauce, if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

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Tips for Success

• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add your favorite vegetables. Fresh, frozen, or canned options all work beautifully.
• Make It Spicy: Love a little heat? Add extra Creole seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

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Serving Suggestions

• With Bread: Serve Hamburger Soup with a side of warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or buttered rolls for soaking up every delicious drop.
• Over Rice: Spoon the soup over steamed white or brown rice for an extra hearty meal.
• With a Salad: Pair it with a crisp side salad, such as a Caesar or garden salad, for a balanced and refreshing contrast.
• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor and presentation.

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This Hamburger Soup is the definition of comfort food. Loaded with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Try it out and let us know what you think!

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