Virginia'S Hamburger Soup
Virginia's Hamburger Soup offers a hearty, savory blend of beef, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 3 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 3 c. beef bouillon stock ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can corn ⓘ
- 1 c. potatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. carrots, cut up ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen okra ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in oil until translucent.
- Add hamburger meat and chopped garlic; cook until browned.
- Add beef bouillon, canned tomatoes, corn, potatoes, celery, carrots, frozen okra, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- While the soup is cooking, let the frozen okra thaw on the counter.
- Add the thawed okra to the soup and cook just until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat separately before adding it to the soup. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. To add a kick, include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If fresh vegetables are available, they can enhance the dish's freshness, but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Virginia's Hamburger Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top can add a delicious touch. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months, just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia'S Hamburger Soup contains roughly 944 calories, with 25g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (301% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (175% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 886mg per serving (39% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon?
If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for beef bouillon. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still yield a delicious soup. Homemade broth can also add a personal touch.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) towards the end of cooking. Another option is to add a handful of cooked rice or pasta to absorb the liquid and enhance the 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).