Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Here’s a hearty and comforting recipe for Hamburger Vegetable Soup, perfect for a cozy meal! This soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and delicious seasonings for a savory, satisfying dish.

Hamburger Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
• 2 cups frozen green beans (or fresh, chopped)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups water (adjust based on how thick you prefer your soup)
• 1-2 cups frozen peas (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn. Stir everything together.

3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
   Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Stir to combine. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables (especially the potatoes and carrots) are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom.

5. Add the Peas (Optional):
   If you’re using frozen peas, stir them into the soup in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they stay bright and tender, not mushy.

6. Finish and Serve:
   Once the vegetables are tender and the soup is flavorful, remove the bay leaf (if used). Taste and adjust seasoning again with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping!

This Hamburger Vegetable Soup is hearty, nutritious, and a perfect meal to warm you up. It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to swap out or add in other vegetables (like zucchini or spinach) based on what you have on hand. It also freezes well, so you can save some for later!

Would you like any suggestions for making this soup even more flavorful or for side dishes to serve alongside it?