Here’s a recipe for Vegetable Hamburger Soup that’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up some veggies and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
- 1 potato, peeled and diced (optional, for a more filling soup)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or herbs of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1-2 cups fresh or frozen spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni or small shells), optional
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Sauté Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. - Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beans, corn (if using), diced potato, zucchini (if using), broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer the Soup:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding pasta, stir it in about 10 minutes before the soup is done, so it doesn’t overcook. - Add Greens (if using):
If you’re adding spinach or other greens, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is delicious on its own or with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Variations:
- Beans: Feel free to swap the kidney beans for other beans, like black beans, garbanzo, or pinto.
- Vegetables: You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand—peas, green beans, or bell peppers are great additions.
- Ground Meat: Use any ground meat you prefer, or even a combination of meats (like beef and pork).
This Vegetable Hamburger Soup is flexible, filling, and a perfect comfort food that can easily be tailored to what you have in the fridge. Enjoy!
