Hamburg And Sausage Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup combining ground beef, smoked sausage, vegetables, and pasta in a savory tomato broth, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Polish or smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 envelope dry onion soup mix ⓘ
- 6 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2/3 (46 oz.) can tomato juice
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, brown the ground beef and sliced sausage.
- Drain well to remove excess fat.
- Add seasoned salt, oregano, basil, and dry onion soup mix to the meat.
- Stir in boiling water, tomato juice, and soy sauce.
- Add chopped celery, chopped carrots, and uncooked macaroni or rice; stir well.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Alternatively, cook in a crock-pot for 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones, especially if you have them on hand. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with rice if you want a gluten-free option. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. It pairs nicely with the Assorted Bean Soup for a comforting dinner option, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg And Sausage Soup contains roughly 421 calories, with 15g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (168% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1647mg per serving (72% 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 a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the Polish or smoked sausage for any sausage you prefer, such as Italian or chicken sausage. Each type will give the soup a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on what you have available.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and sausage. Instead, use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth for added flavor. Increase the amount of vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, to enhance the texture and heartiness of the soup.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch or flour slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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).