Hamburger Veg. Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable and beef soup with tomato base, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, packed with wholesome ingredients and savory spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup onion ⓘ
- 1 cup potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans V-8 ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 can undrained corn ⓘ
- 1 can undrained green beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot. Drain off excess grease.
- Add all remaining ingredients except the canned vegetables to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the canned corn and green beans, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added for a brighter taste. You can also experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you preparation time. This soup is versatile, much like a Meatball-Mushroom-Broccoli Stew, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. For a more filling option, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, much like American recipes that evoke comfort.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Veg. Soup contains roughly 1710 calories, with 37g protein, 296g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (327% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2725mg per serving (118% 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 soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Just be sure to add the canned vegetables right before serving to maintain their texture.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
You can substitute or add vegetables like green bell peppers, peas, or even squash. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using cauliflower instead of potatoes. The recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to adapt based on what's in your pantry or your personal taste.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Avoid freezing the canned vegetables; add them fresh when reheating for the best texture.
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).