Easy Italian Hamburger Soup Recipe:

Italian Hamburger Soup Recipe: A Hearty, Easy-to-Make Dish

When you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Italian Hamburger Soup is your go-to recipe. Packed with seasoned ground beef, wholesome vegetables, rich tomato broth, and classic Italian herbs, it’s a family-friendly dinner that satisfies every time. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for any season.

In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe for Italian Hamburger Soup, along with tips to customize it to suit your preferences. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and flavorful herbs.
3. Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef.
4. Customizable: Easily adapt to fit dietary preferences or use what you have on hand.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep or storing leftovers.

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Ingredients for Italian Hamburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

4 cups beef broth or chicken broth

1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)

1 tsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)

Seasonings and Herbs:

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, dice the vegetables, mince the garlic, and gather all the ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease and set the beef aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil (if needed) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

4. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Cook the Pasta

While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. (Tip: Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy if you have leftovers.)

7. Add Zucchini and Greens

Add the diced zucchini to the pot and cook for another 5–7 minutes until tender. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

8. Combine and Serve

Stir in the cooked pasta just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

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Tips for the Perfect Italian Hamburger Soup

1. Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup lighter and less greasy.
2. Customize Veggies: Swap in vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans based on your preference.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
4. Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer soup.
5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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FAQs About Italian Hamburger Soup

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a lighter option.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables before adding everything (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes.

3. How do I reheat this soup?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can add a can of cannellini beans or lentils for protein.

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Why Italian Hamburger Soup Is a Must-Try

Italian Hamburger Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, this soup checks all the boxes.

With its rich tomato base, tender pasta, and savory beef, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a little taste of Italy in every spoonful!

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