If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Tomato Hamburger Soup might just become your new favorite go-to. Imagine a bowl brimming with savory ground beef, vibrant tomatoes, tender vegetables, and rich, warming broth-it’s like a hug in a bowl. This soup isn’t just about feeding your hunger; it’s about feeding your soul. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
The beauty of Tomato Hamburger Soup lies in its simplicity. With humble ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create something deeply satisfying and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that improves in flavor the longer it simmers, giving you a culinary reward for a bit of patience.
Tomato Hamburger Soup Recipe
This classic recipe brings together ground beef, hearty vegetables, and the tangy sweetness of tomatoes. It’s flexible enough to customize, yet reliable enough to become a staple in your home-cooking repertoire. Think of it as comfort food with a nutritional twist-balanced, filling, and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
- Olive oil or butter: 1-2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced or sliced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained or with juice for extra liquid
- Beef broth: 4 cups (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- Tomato paste: 1-2 tablespoons, optional for extra richness
- Bay leaves: 1-2
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Optional extras: corn, green beans, bell peppers, or pasta for variation
Cooking Instructions
Cooking this soup is straightforward, but there’s a little finesse to make it exceptional:
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Brown The Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of oil, then add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Sauté Aromatics
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Add Vegetables
- Toss in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add Tomato Elements
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
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Add Broth And Seasoning
- Pour in the beef broth. Add bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer
- Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
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Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Serve piping hot, ideally with crusty bread.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients can elevate this simple soup into something spectacular:
- Ground beef: Leaner meat creates a lighter soup, while fattier beef adds richness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, canned, or a mix works-canned tomatoes often give a more concentrated flavor.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery add sweetness and aroma; potatoes add heartiness.
- Broth: Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works fine-choose low sodium for more control.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning blends herbs seamlessly, but fresh herbs can add a more vibrant, layered flavor.
Expert Tips
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the soup cook slowly allows flavors to fully develop.
- Brown the meat well: Proper browning adds umami and richness that can’t be faked.
- Layer the seasoning: Season lightly at first, taste halfway through, then adjust at the end.
- Add acidity carefully: If the soup tastes flat, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor.
- Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld further-perfect for batch cooking.
Recipe Variations
Keep things interesting by tweaking this classic:
- Vegetarian version: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Hearty pasta soup: Stir in small pasta shapes in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy version: Blend part of the soup and stir in a splash of cream or milk for a smoother texture.
- Extra veggies: Add green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase nutrition.
Final Words
Tomato Hamburger Soup is more than just a dish-it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s perfect for any season but particularly comforting on chilly evenings when you want something hearty and nourishing. The beauty is that it’s endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak it to match whatever ingredients you have on hand or whichever flavors your family loves.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Tomato Hamburger Soup?
Typical ingredients include ground beef, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, green beans, corn, seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
How Do I Make Tomato Hamburger Soup From Scratch?
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic. Then add chopped vegetables, tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with herbs and spices, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Can I Make Tomato Hamburger Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can Tomato Hamburger Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is Tomato Hamburger Soup Healthy?
Tomato hamburger soup can be nutritious, as it contains lean protein from beef and a variety of vegetables. To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce added salt, and increase vegetable content.
How Long Does Tomato Hamburger Soup Last In The Refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Make Tomato Hamburger Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What Can I Serve With Tomato Hamburger Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, crackers, or a side salad. Some also enjoy it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
How Do I Thicken Tomato Hamburger Soup?
You can thicken it by simmering longer to reduce the liquid, adding a slurry of cornstarch and water, or incorporating mashed potatoes or cooked rice to achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I Adjust The Flavor Of Tomato Hamburger Soup To Be Spicier?
Yes, you can add ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat according to your taste.