Autumn(Hamburger Soup)
A hearty, comforting vegetable and ground beef soup with rich tomato flavors, perfect for cozy autumn days and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook and stir the ground beef until browned; drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in water, pepper, carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, brown bouquet sauce, bay leaf, and basil.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes to the soup.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. If you're out of fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes are a great substitute. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or peas. For a heartier version, serve it over a scoop of rice, similar to the concept behind Emergency Rice And Frank Skillet Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Hamburger Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple grilled cheese sandwich, making it a favorite for family dinners. For a twist, consider topping it with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if the soup has thickened. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Autumn(Hamburger Soup) contains roughly 483 calories, with 13g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (192% of the Daily Value), potassium (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide a hearty base for the soup. Just be aware that it may require a little extra seasoning since turkey is milder than beef. Cooking times should remain the same, ensuring that all ingredients are tender and flavorful.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor, and include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it hearty.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If your soup ends up too salty, you can balance it by adding more water or broth to dilute the saltiness. Another trick is to add a raw potato to the pot while simmering; it will absorb some of the salt. Just remember to remove the potato before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).