Quick Spanish Hamburger Soup
A hearty, flavorful Spanish-inspired soup with ground beef, tomato, vegetables, and olives, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. ground beef
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sliced pimiento-stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook ground beef until browned; drain off fat. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce, sliced carrot, mushrooms, chopped onions, sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, and sugar.
- Stir in water and red wine.
- Cover the saucepan.
- Simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until the carrot is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve individual portions topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-sliced carrots or frozen mixed vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you're looking for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup is versatile; feel free to mix in leftover vegetables or beans from other meals, making it a great way to use up pantry items.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can elevate the dish further. It pairs beautifully with Annette'S Meat Loaf for a satisfying dinner spread. For a more filling option, consider serving it over rice or pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Spanish Hamburger Soup contains roughly 374 calories, with 23g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prep or to serve at gatherings.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the water to maintain a thick consistency.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
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).