Hamburger Bean Soup
A hearty, savory bean soup with bacon and hamburger, packed with flavorful spices and perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain off the excess oil from the meat mixture.
- Fry the bacon until crispy and then chop it into pieces.
- Combine all ingredients, including the cooked meat, bacon, beans, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce, in a crock-pot.
- Do not drain the beans before adding.
- Add a few shakes of Tabasco sauce to taste.
- Cook in the crock-pot on low for 5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat for a lighter option. You can also add diced bell peppers or celery for extra veggies. If you like a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or substituting with honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Hamburger Bean Soup pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, top each bowl with shredded cheese or sour cream. It also makes a great filling for a Ham Souffle Sandwich, combining flavors for a unique twist.
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 or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Bean Soup contains roughly 730 calories, with 24g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 canned beans instead of dried ones?
Yes, canned beans are perfect for this recipe! They save time and are convenient. Just remember not to drain them before adding to the pot, as the liquid contributes to the soup's overall flavor and texture.
Is it possible to freeze Hamburger Bean Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or agave syrup can also work as substitutes, though they may slightly alter the taste.
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).