Old-Fashioned Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 40 minutesTotal Time: 55 minutesServings: 6Course: Soup, DinnerCuisine: AmericanIngredients1 lb lean ground beef1 medium onion, diced3 cloves garlic, minced3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced3 carrots, peeled and sliced2 celery stalks, chopped1 cup green beans, cut into pieces1 cup corn1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce4 cups beef broth1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1 bay leafSalt, to tasteBlack pepper, to tasteFresh parsley, optional for garnishInstructionsBrown the beef: Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease.Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.Build the soup: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.Add the vegetables: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.Add corn and green beans: Stir in the corn and green beans. Continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.NotesYou can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables.Add cabbage, peas, zucchini, or cauliflower to use up vegetables you already have.For a thicker soup, mash a few pieces of cooked potato into the broth.If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra beef broth.Serve with cornbread, biscuits, dinner rolls, or crusty bread.StorageStore leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.FreezingOnce cooled appropriately, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.NutritionApproximate per serving:Calories: 330 kcalProtein: 22 gCarbohydrates: 34 gFat: 12 gFiber: 6 gSugar: 8 gTip: Nutrition values will vary depending on the ground beef, broth, vegetables, and brands you use.