Name: Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 cup Diced Onion; 2 cups Diced Carrots; 2 cups Diced Celery; 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes; 4 cups Beef Broth; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Okay, friends, let me tell you about a soup that’s been really game-changer in my house for, well, two years now. Is it longer than I care to admit? It’s my Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup, and honestly, it is right up there with chicken noodle soup. How often do I make it? I love chicken noodle (which I adore, don’t get me wrong) but I also like steamed rice. This one is just packed with veggies and has that hearty hamburger that makes it a complete meal. I always feel good about serving this, especially on those nights when everyone’s running in the door. What is the difference between Plus, the flavors are just incredible – sweet tomatoes, savory beef, and all those tender veggies. What is magic in a bowl? My grandma used to make something similar, and this is my version – tweaked and refined over the years.

What is tomato hammer soup?

Think of Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup as a cross between hearty chili and classic vegetable soup. What is soup, but with a little extra something special? What is essentially a flavorful broth-based soup loaded with ground beef, diced tomatoes (lots of ’em! ), and onion? ), and a medley of your favorite vegetables. What is the beauty of soup? Is it just a dump-and-stir situation? What is the depth of flavor that comes from browning the beef and letting everything simmer together? Is it necessary to allow the flavors to meld and deepen? What are some dishes that taste better the next day? What are some easy ways to make ahead for a busy weeknight?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why is this Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup so popular? How do you cook in your kitchen?

Flavor Explosion:The combination of savory ground beef, the sweet and tangy tomatoes, and the earthy vegetables. Creates a flavor profile that’s just irresistible. I sneak in a little bay leaf and some Italian seasoning which just amplifies the warmth.
Easy Peasy:Is this recipe easy to make? Is it mostly chopping veggies and browning the beef? What is it like to let the rest of the world do its thing? What is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to eat.
Budget FriendlyIs ground beef a good protein source? To keep the cost down even further. Plus, you probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. My kind of cooking!
Versatility Queen:How can I customize this soup to my liking? Add different vegetables, use a different type of ground meat, or even throw in some pasta or rice. For extra heartiness. I sometimes add a can of kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.

What I love the most about this Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup is that it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Is it hearty enough to keep you full and satisfied? What are some good ways to use up leftover vegetables in the fridge? Zero waste, maximum flavor! I even had a friend tell me it reminded her of stuffed peppers, which, honestly, I don’t know what they are. What is a bad comparison?

How do I make tomato hammering soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make tomato hammering soup? Add the tomatoes and broth, and letting it all simmer until the vegetables are tender. Is this a one pot wonder? Is this a good recipe for beginners? Where the magic happens is in the simmering.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil per 1 cup.
1 pound ground beef (I usually use 80/20 for flavor)
1 medium yellow onion, diced.
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

For the Soup:

2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes.
6 cups beef broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery. 1 ts
1 cup frozen green beans.
One cup frozen corn. 1 cup boiled potatoes.
1 cup frozen peas.
1 bay leaf
Optional: 1 cup diced potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work great)

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese is a
Sour cream or Greek yogurt is the best.
Fresh parsley, chopped.
Crusty bread for dipping.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. How do you drain off grease from soup?

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it really builds the flavor base.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, carrots, celery, green beans, corn, peas and bay leaf, and stir to combine. Serve immediately. What are potatoes (if using)? Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it go for about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like Italian seasoning, you might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian Seasoning to your liking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

What are some good toppings for a Hamburger? What are some good substitutes for cheddar cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley? Serve with crusty bread for dipping, if desired. Where can I customize my own bowl?

What should I serve it with?

What are some great side dishes to serve with tomato hammering soup?

For a Light Lunch: A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the soup perfectly. Something with a bit of acidity really cuts through the richness.

For a Hearty Dinner: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. My kids love grilled cheese with this soup!

For a Potluck: Bring along a simple cornbread or biscuits to share. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.

For a Cozy Night In: Just the soup itself, enjoyed in front of the fireplace with a good book. Pure bliss!

My family tradition is to always have a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top of our Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup. It adds a creaminess and tang that we all love. And, of course, plenty of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Want to take your Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Beef Quality Matters: Using a good quality ground beef will make a huge difference in the flavor of the soup. I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef because it has a good balance of flavor and leanness. Don’t skimp on this!

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients is crucial for building a deep, complex flavor. It releases their natural sweetness and aromas. I’ve tried skipping this step before when I was in a rush, and it definitely shows in the final result.

Broth is Key: Using a good quality beef broth is essential for a flavorful soup. I prefer to use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness of the soup. You can also use homemade broth if you have it on hand. I like to make my own in the slow cooker sometimes!

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Some other great additions include zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or kale. Get creative and use what you have on hand. This soup is so forgiving!

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the onion and garlic.

Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Just stir it in and let it simmer until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. I personally like it a little thinner, but it’s all about personal preference!

Don’t Forget the Bay Leaf: A single bay leaf adds so much depth of flavor to the soup. Just be sure to remove it before serving!

One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the soup. I was so bummed, but I discovered that adding a peeled and quartered potato to the soup while it simmered helped to absorb some of the excess salt. It saved the day! So, if you ever over-salt your soup, try that trick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Room Temperature: Let the soup cool completely before storing it. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date so you know when you made it.

Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply heat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

I usually make a big batch of this soup on Sunday and then portion it out into individual containers for lunches during the week. It’s such a convenient and healthy option. Just be sure to let it cool completely before you put it in the fridge. That’s key for preventing bacteria growth and keeping it fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils for added protein. I’ve even seen some folks use crumbled tempeh.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes. You’ll need about 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Peel and dice them before adding them to the soup. You might need to simmer the soup for a little longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and soften. I usually add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.

Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?

Yes, you can add pasta or rice to this soup for extra heartiness. Add about 1/2 cup of small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) or cooked rice during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Be sure to adjust the amount of broth accordingly, as the pasta or rice will absorb some of the liquid. I find that adding it too early makes it mushy so don’t do that.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef on the stovetop as directed in the recipe, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is a great option for busy weeknights. I love coming home to the smell of this soup simmering in the slow cooker!

What kind of potatoes are best to use?

I prefer using Yukon gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. Russet potatoes will also work, but they tend to break down more and can make the soup a bit thicker. Just be sure to dice the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s go-to Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup recipe! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a comforting lunch, or a potluck dish to share, this soup is sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s totally customizable, so you can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. This is one of those recipes that just makes you feel good from the inside out, you know?

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. I have a fantastic Creamy Tomato Soup recipe that’s a bit more elegant, and a hearty Beef Stew that’s perfect for a cold winter day.

I can’t wait to hear how your Tomato Hamburger Vegetable Soup turns out! Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!