Hamburger Soup

Hamburger Soup Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hamburger soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Hamburger soup has been a popular dish in North America for many years. It is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to use up leftover ingredients such as ground beef and vegetables. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of different vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups water
4 cups tomato juice
1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 tsp salt
1 small bay leaf
a pinch of basil

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef and onions.
Add water and tomato juice and heat until boiling.
Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, bay leaf, and a small pinch of basil.
Simmer until the vegetables are cooked (about 30 minutes).

Variations

Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
Stir in some cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.
Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the ground beef and onions before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the soup.

- For a richer broth, you can use beef broth instead of water.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this soup to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger soup can be served with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter version of this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Hamburger soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of hamburger soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hamburger soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of hamburger soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of hamburger soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of hamburger soup contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of hamburger soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hamburger soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for individuals with a beef allergy.

Summary

Hamburger soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Hamburger soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hamburger Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my mother. We were going through a rough patch financially, and my mother had to come up with creative ways to stretch our meals. One day, she pulled out a recipe she had gotten from a friend and said we were going to make Hamburger Soup for dinner.

I watched as my mother chopped up onions, carrots, and potatoes, browning them in a large pot with ground beef. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. As my mother added in broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, she explained to me the importance of layering flavors in a soup to create a depth of taste.

Once the soup was simmering on the stove, my mother ladled out a bowl for me to try. The first spoonful was like a warm hug from the inside out. The rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory beef all came together in perfect harmony. I was hooked.

From that day on, Hamburger Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever we were short on money or groceries, my mother would whip up a pot of this comforting soup, and suddenly everything felt a little bit better. It became a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness in our family, a reminder that we could make something delicious out of seemingly nothing.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Hamburger Soup for my loved ones. I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this humble yet hearty dish.

Over the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people, but Hamburger Soup will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of where I come from, of the lessons I learned in that small kitchen with my mother by my side. It is a reminder that good food doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, but rather made with love and care.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Hamburger Soup on the stove for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I hope that they will remember the taste of this soup, the warmth it brings to their bellies and their souls. And maybe, just maybe, they will pass on this recipe to their own children one day, creating a chain of memories and flavors that will last for generations to come.