Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup Recipe

The Best Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Garden hamburger soup emerges as a robust culinary comfort that warms your soul on chilly days.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and rich protein, this dish promises satisfying nourishment in every spoonful.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating layers of flavor that tantalize your taste buds.

Fresh produce and savory ground meat blend seamlessly, offering a nutritious meal that feels like a hearty embrace.

Imagine a pot simmering with wholesome goodness, releasing aromatic hints of herbs and spices.

Multiple textures mingle delightfully, ensuring each bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

You can find this recipe perfect for lazy weekends or quick weeknight dinners when hunger strikes.

Explore this delectable soup and experience pure, comforting magic.

Why Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup Satisfies

  • This soup delivers a wholesome meal loaded with protein from ground beef, vitamins from garden vegetables, and robust flavors that nourish your body.
  • Pressure canning transforms this recipe into convenient, ready-to-eat meals that can be stored for months, saving precious time during busy weekdays.
  • Easily adjust seasonings and vegetable selections to match your taste preferences, making this soup a versatile and adaptable family favorite that welcomes personal culinary creativity.
  • By using pressure canning techniques, you lock in fresh ingredients' nutrients and create shelf-stable meals that taste just like homemade, providing a delicious solution for quick, nutritious dining.

Ingredients in Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: The star of the soup, providing rich, meaty flavor and substantial protein content. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Vegetables:
  • Chopped Vegetables: Fresh garden vegetables add nutrition and texture to the soup. Select seasonal, crisp vegetables for the best taste and color.
Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth, Tomato Juice, Crushed Tomatoes: These liquids create a robust, flavorful soup foundation. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Spices: Essential for enhancing the overall taste profile. Fresh ground pepper and high-quality sea salt work best for depth of flavor.
Canning Supplies:
  • Canning Jars, Lids, Rings: Critical for safe preservation of the soup. Use new, undamaged lids and clean, sterilized jars to ensure food safety.
Water:
  • Water: Necessary for the pressure canning process. Use clean, fresh water for the best results.

How to Make Garden Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Gather Canning Supplies

Collect all necessary canning gear including:
  • Large stockpot
  • Clean glass jars
  • Fresh lids and rings
  • Jar lifter
  • Clean towels
  • Pressure canner

Wash everything thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse well.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Base

Brown ground beef in a large cooking pot over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and healthy.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Dice your fresh garden vegetables:
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Potatoes

Aim for uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.

Step 4: Create Flavor Foundation

Add vegetables to the browned beef. Season generously with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Garlic powder

Stir ingredients together and let them sauté for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Build Soup Liquid

Pour into the pot:
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let soup cook for 20-25 minutes until vegetables become tender.

Step 6: Prepare Jars for Canning

Sterilize glass jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Remove jars carefully using jar tongs and place on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 7: Fill Canning Jars

Ladle hot soup into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace at the top. Remove air bubbles by sliding a knife along jar edges.

Step 8: Seal and Process

Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Place lids and rings, tightening finger-tight. Process in a pressure canner following precise altitude and jar size guidelines.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow jars to cool completely on a kitchen towel. Check seal integrity by pressing jar lids. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months.

Tips for Flavorful Garden Hamburger Soup

  • Master the Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is browned thoroughly and evenly, breaking it into small crumbles to maximize flavor distribution and prevent large chunks in your soup.
  • Vegetable Prep Perfection: Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup, creating a balanced and appetizing meal.
  • Seasoning Sophistication: Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or smoked paprika to elevate the soup's flavor profile beyond basic salt and pepper.
  • Pressure Canning Precision: Double-check your pressure canner's specific guidelines for jar sizes and altitude to ensure safe and successful preservation of your hearty soup.
  • Storage Smart Strategy: Label jars with the date of canning and consume within one year for optimal taste and nutritional quality, storing in a cool, dark pantry.

Saving Leftovers of Garden Hamburger Soup

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick. Ensure the soup reaches 165°F for food safety before serving.

Tasty Sides for Garden Hamburger Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic sourdough or hearty wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth of the garden hamburger soup.
  • Complement with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty, meaty flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the beef's robust taste and complement the soup's depth of flavor.
  • Serve with Sharp Cheddar: Sprinkle aged cheddar cheese on top of the soup or serve a small cheese plate alongside to add a creamy, sharp note that cuts through the soup's richness.

Recipe Twists for Garden Hamburger Soup

  • Rustic Ranch Soup: Replace ground beef with ground turkey and add ranch seasoning mix for a lighter, tangy flavor profile that brings zesty southwestern notes to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Incorporate diced zucchini, eggplant, and kalamata olives to transform the soup into a Mediterranean-inspired version with rich, herbaceous undertones.
  • Spicy Pepper Kick Soup: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a dash of cayenne to create a fiery version that awakens taste buds and brings intense heat to the traditional hamburger soup.
  • Protein Power Soup: Mix in quinoa or lentils to boost protein content, making the soup more nutritionally dense and satisfying for health-conscious individuals seeking additional nutrients.

Garden Hamburger Soup FAQs

  • How long can I store this Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup after canning?

The soup can be safely stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year when properly pressure canned and sealed.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this soup?

You’ll need a pressure canner, sterilized glass jars, new lids, and rings to safely can this soup. A standard water bath canning method won’t work for meat-based soups.

  • Can I customize the vegetables in this soup recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your garden harvest or personal preference. Just keep the overall proportions similar for consistent canning safety.

  • Is pressure canning complicated for beginners?

Pressure canning might seem intimidating at first, but following the instructions carefully and using a reliable pressure canner makes the process straightforward. Always read your canner’s manual and follow safety guidelines precisely.

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Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup Recipe

Hearty Garden Hamburger Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savor warmth with this hearty garden hamburger soup, packed with robust vegetables and rich ground beef. Comforting flavors mingle in each spoonful, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups (0.7 liters) potatoes, cubed
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) assorted garden vegetables, chopped (e.g., carrots, peas, green beans)
  • 1 ½ cups (0.35 liters) chopped celery
  • 1 ½ cups (0.35 liters) diced onion

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) beef broth
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) tomato juice
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sanitize glass containers and canning tools meticulously, removing any potential bacteria or residue that could compromise the soup’s preservation quality.
  2. In a robust cooking vessel, transform the ground beef into a rich, caramelized foundation, carefully draining excess fat to maintain a lean, concentrated flavor profile.
  3. Introduce a colorful medley of diced vegetables into the seared meat, seasoning generously with aromatic herbs and spices that will enhance the soup’s depth and complexity.
  4. Pour in beef broth, tomato juice, and crushed tomatoes, creating a vibrant liquid base. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously.
  5. Carefully ladle the steaming soup into pristine glass jars, maintaining precise headspace to accommodate potential expansion during the canning process.
  6. Cleanse jar rims with a pristine cloth, positioning lids and rings with gentle precision – secure enough to seal, yet not overly constricted.
  7. Transfer prepared jars into a pressure canner, following manufacturer’s specific guidelines for processing time and pressure settings based on jar size and geographical elevation, ensuring complete food safety and optimal preservation.

Notes

  • Careful sanitization of jars and equipment prevents contamination and ensures long-lasting soup preservation.
  • Draining excess beef grease reduces unnecessary fat while maintaining robust, rich flavor profiles.
  • Customize seasonings to match personal taste preferences, experimenting with herbs and spices for unique depth.
  • Always leave proper headspace when filling jars to allow safe expansion during pressure canning process.
  • Follow precise pressure canning instructions specific to jar size and local altitude for guaranteed food safety.
  • Storing homemade canned soup provides convenient, nutritious meal options ready in minutes during busy weeks.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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