🥣 Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup (Full Recipe)

 Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 40–45 minutes

• Total: ~1 hour

 Servings

• 6–8 servings

Ingredients

Main

• 1½ lb (700 g) ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional if beef is lean)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2–3 potatoes, peeled & diced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)

• 1 cup frozen or canned corn

• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)

Tomatoes & Broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce

• 6 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)

Seasonings

• 1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried basil

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup small pasta (macaroni, ditalini)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (for heat)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
   Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Build the Flavor
   Add onion and garlic to the pot. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables
   Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, bell pepper, corn, and green beans.

4. Tomatoes & Broth
   Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.

5. Season
   Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and basil. Stir well.

6. Simmer
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
   Cover and simmer 30–35 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

7. Optional Pasta
   If using pasta, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

8. Finish
   Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley

• Delicious with buttered toast or cornbread

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days (airtight container)

• Freezer: Up to 3 months (freeze without pasta for best texture)

ENJOY