Hamburger-Vegetable Chowder
A hearty, flavorful chowder featuring ground beef, vegetables, and rice, perfect for comforting family dinners and adaptable with substitutions like V-8 juice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in oil over medium heat.
- Add all ingredients except rice to the pot.
- Cook on low for 1 hour.
- Add rice and cook until rice is done.
- Adjust thickness with additional water or tomato juice if needed.
- Optional: substitute V-8 juice for water or tomato juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider browning the beef with diced garlic or onion before adding other ingredients. If you want to boost the vegetable content, feel free to add peas or corn. For a twist, substitute V-8 juice for water or tomato juice. This chowder can be made ahead of time, as the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, similar to Hearty Beef Stew For Crock-Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, consider pairing it with Lattice-Topped Hamburger Pie, as both dishes highlight hearty flavors that make them ideal for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger-Vegetable Chowder contains roughly 501 calories, with 12g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1959mg per serving (85% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for lean ground beef in this chowder. It will reduce the fat content while still providing a hearty base. Just be mindful that turkey may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chowder, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it altogether. You can increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding potatoes or mushrooms, to enhance the texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.
What type of rice works best in this recipe?
Regular long grain rice is recommended for this chowder, as it will cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. However, you could also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time, so add it earlier in the process.
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).