Hamburger Minestrone Soup
Hearty and flavorful, this hamburger minestrone soup combines savory beef, tender vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 pound hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 can (303) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed raw potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 quarts water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1-2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute 1 cup chopped onion and 1 pound hamburger meat in 1 teaspoon shortening in a large kettle until the meat is browned.
- Add one 303 can of tomatoes, 1 cup chopped cabbage, 1 cup cubed raw potatoes, 1 cup sliced carrots, 3/4 cup sliced celery, and 1/4 cup chopped green pepper.
- Pour in 1 1/2 quarts of water and add 1/4 cup uncooked rice, 1-2 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon basil, 4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour.
- Serve the soup in bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, accompanied by garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the hamburger meat for a meat substitute and use vegetable broth. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans based on what you have on hand. Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially if you're using a canned tomato product with added salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider a side salad, like Beth'S Salad Dressing, to complement the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover minestrone 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 after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Minestrone Soup contains roughly 1666 calories, with 40g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (756% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (411% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% 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 freeze hamburger minestrone soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What kind of rice should I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of uncooked rice, but long-grain white rice or brown rice works best. Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Can I add beans to the minestrone soup?
Absolutely! Adding canned or cooked beans, like kidney or cannellini beans, can enhance the protein content and texture. Just stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
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).