Alright, fellow nutrition-seekers! Let’s chat about something that’s been a dinnertime sanity-saver in my house: loaded hamburger soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl full of simple nutrition, perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and family-approved. It’s become a staple in our rotation because it sneaks in veggies, satisfies those comfort food cravings, and is incredibly budget-friendly.
I remember the first time I made loaded hamburger soup. My youngest was going through a picky phase, and I was desperate for a way to get some vegetables into him without a battle. I stumbled upon a basic recipe online, tweaked it to my family’s preferences, and crossed my fingers. To my surprise, everyone loved it! The cheesy, savory broth, the tender ground beef, and the hidden veggies all came together in a symphony of flavor that even my picky eater couldn’t resist. This version of loaded hamburger soup has been a hit ever since, proving that good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated.
This loaded hamburger soup supports our family nutrition by providing a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and essential vitamins. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. It quickly became part of my wellness journey, showing me that even during the busiest weeks, I can still provide my family with nourishing meals.
If you’re a busy mom looking for simple nutrition solutions, this loaded hamburger soup is for you! Come along with me as we cook up some nourishing deliciousness.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Trust me, this loaded hamburger soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my turmeric chicken soup!
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides protein for growing kids and keeps everyone feeling full.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds flavor and a good source of vitamins.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts immunity and adds a delicious aroma.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a savory base for the soup. No worries if you don’t have beef broth – I use bone broth for extra nutrients in my loaded hamburger soup.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: A great source of Vitamin C and adds a burst of freshness.
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Adds fiber and plant-based protein. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: Makes life easier and sneaks in extra veggies. This loaded hamburger soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive…
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your family’s preference.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and makes it kid-friendly. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to our loaded hamburger soup!
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, bacon bits. These toppings enhance the flavor and make the soup more appealing.
Here’s a loaded hamburger soup nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: adding a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts down and adds a boost of vitamins without changing the flavor too much!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my loaded hamburger soup – learn from my experience! These step-by-step instructions make it foolproof.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if your loaded hamburger soup looks a bit messy at this stage – it will all come together!
- Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for building flavor in your loaded hamburger soup.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir well to combine.
- Add beans, vegetables, and seasoning: Add the kidney beans (rinsed and drained), frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious loaded hamburger soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Stir in cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Your loaded hamburger soup should smell nourishing by now.
- Serve: Ladle the loaded hamburger soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or bacon bits.
While your loaded hamburger soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Remember, simple nutrition can make a big difference. It’s also the perfect time to get those school lunches ready for tomorrow. You are doing great, mom!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this nutritious loaded hamburger soup when I serve it with some whole-grain crackers or a side of carrot sticks. A simple grilled cheese sandwich also pairs perfectly. For a more complete meal, a side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.
This loaded hamburger soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also great for potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a cozy weekend lunch. We even make it for a quick lunch sometimes!
Presentation matters, even with soup! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a swirl of sour cream can make this loaded hamburger soup even more appealing to the family.
Leftovers are a gift! This loaded hamburger soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I’ve tried a few seasonal variations of this loaded hamburger soup. In the fall, I add a can of pumpkin puree for a creamy, comforting twist. In the summer, I like to use fresh garden vegetables like zucchini and corn.
My friends and guests always rave about how flavorful and satisfying this healthy loaded hamburger soup is. They can’t believe it’s so easy to make! They are always amazed at how quick it is. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Cheeseburger Soup Recipe!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this loaded hamburger soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from the ground beef and kidney beans, vitamins from the vegetables, and calcium from the cheese. It’s a balanced meal that will keep them full and energized.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy loaded hamburger soup?
Start by offering a small portion and letting them add their own toppings. Sometimes, a little bit of control can make them more willing to try new things. You can also try blending some of the vegetables into the soup to make it smoother and less noticeable. I find the kids enjoy it more when they can add cheese and sour cream.
Can I meal prep this loaded hamburger soup for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
How can I make this loaded hamburger soup even healthier?
Use lean ground beef, add more vegetables, and use low-fat cheese. You can also swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth to reduce the sodium content.
Can I make this loaded hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef on the stovetop first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the cheese). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese before serving. The instant pot cheeseburger soup recipe using leftovers is also a great way to use what you have and it helps to reduce waste.
Can I freeze this loaded hamburger soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this loaded hamburger soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream for added creaminess.
Final Thoughts:
This loaded hamburger soup supports my family’s nutrition goals by providing a quick, easy, and delicious way to get a balanced meal on the table. It’s a comforting and satisfying soup that everyone loves, and it’s packed with nutrients to keep us all healthy and energized. This one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup – NO VELVEETA! – Midwest … is another yummy variation.
My loaded hamburger soup Nutrition Hacks:
- Sneak in extra veggies: Finely chop or blend vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots into the soup.
- Use lean protein: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Control the sodium: Use low-sodium broth and go easy on the salt.
Here are a few family-tested healthy loaded hamburger soup variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Mexican-inspired: Use black beans instead of kidney beans and add a can of diced green chilies.
- Creamy tomato: Use tomato soup instead of beef broth for a richer flavor.
My husband prefers the spicy version, while my kids love the creamy tomato version. I like to keep it simple and classic.
I encourage you to make this loaded hamburger soup your own! Experiment with different vegetables, toppings, and seasonings to create a version that your family will love.
I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much joy and nourishment as it has brought mine. Here’s to simple nutrition and happy bellies!
Give this nourishing loaded hamburger soup a try, and let me know what you think! I’m here to support you on your journey to simple nutrition success!
loaded hamburger soup
This hearty loaded hamburger soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy toppings for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s an easy one-pot dinner perfect for a chilly evening!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping
- Chopped green onions, for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.