Hamburg Vegetable Chowder
A hearty vegetable chowder with ground beef, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and mixed vegetables, perfect for warming up family dinners with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in fat in a large pot.
- Add all ingredients except potatoes and frozen vegetables to the pot with the browned beef.
- Simmer slowly for 1 hour.
- Add cubed potatoes and cook for 30 minutes or longer.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Taste and add salt or more water as needed.
- Let the chowder sit overnight for better flavor development.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some minced garlic or adding a bay leaf during simmering. You can substitute the barley with brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Fresh vegetables can enhance the texture; try using fresh carrots and peas instead of frozen. Also, if you're short on time, consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a simple grilled cheese sandwich, making it a comforting choice for lunch or dinner. For added freshness, consider garnishing each bowl with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. This hearty chowder is perfect for chilly evenings and is a great option for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Vegetable Chowder contains roughly 971 calories, with 30g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and potassium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1639mg per serving (71% 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 make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time and actually benefits from sitting in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It's a great meal prep option for busy weeknights!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or black beans to maintain protein content while enhancing the dish's flavor and texture.
How can I thicken my chowder?
To thicken your chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes once they're cooked or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Alternatively, simmer the chowder uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.
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).