Italian Hamburger Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired soup combining ground beef, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 cup onion ⓘ
- 1 can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup raw potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 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 ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and onion; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, celery, green pepper, water, rice, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Cover and simmer the soup for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition. If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple pasta dish or a side of Tangy Italian Beans. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Italian Hamburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Hamburger Soup contains roughly 684 calories, with 23g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% 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 Italian Hamburger Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
What can I substitute for the rice in this recipe?
If you want to skip the rice, you could use quinoa or small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo as a substitute. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale instead of rice for a hearty, nutritious soup.
Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned vegetables to save time. Just be mindful of the salt content in canned products and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Drain and rinse canned vegetables before adding them to the soup to reduce sodium levels. This can make for a quicker version of the same comforting dish.
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).