What’s better than a regular bowl of soup? A hearty hamburger soup made with tomato juice!
This comforting soup takes the familiar flavors of a hamburger and turns them into a warming bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or weekend family meals, it’s packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that’ll remind you of home. If you think leftovers will stick around for long, think again – this soup tends to disappear fast!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tempeh. These options offer similar textures and can be seasoned to mimic beef flavor while providing leaner protein options. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
Tomato juice can be substituted with a mixture of canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth for a chunkier texture and more control over sodium content. Use a 2:1 ratio of crushed tomatoes to broth, adding water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Frozen mixed vegetables can be replaced with fresh diced onions, bell peppers, and celery for a crisper texture and potentially more pronounced flavors. Use about 2/3 cup each of diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Increase cooking time slightly to ensure vegetables are tender. These substitutions maintain the soup’s nutritional value while accommodating various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-170 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups frozen mirepoix blend
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 16 oz canned green beans, drained
- 1 tsp minced garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 46 fl oz tomato juice (I like Campbell’s for this recipe)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- 16 oz canned corn, drained
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by placing a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain the excess grease to reduce the fat content in your dish.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
After draining the grease, add your choice of vegetables to the pot with the browned beef.
Common options include chopped onions, carrots, and celery, but feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Stir them in to distribute evenly throughout the pot.
Step 3: Add Tomato Juice and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato juice over the beef and vegetables.
Add your preferred seasonings, such as a bay leaf, salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well mixed.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low, slow simmer.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
This will give the ingredients time to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
After the simmering is complete, remove the pot from heat.
Discard the bay leaf to avoid any accidentally biting into it.
Taste your dish and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt if you desire.
Serve hot, enjoying the rich and savory flavor of your creation!
