Hamburger and Green Pepper Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying soup that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, then this Hamburger and Green Pepper Soup is the perfect recipe to try. Ground beef is lightly browned and paired with fresh vegetables like green peppers, onion, carrot, and celery. Stewed tomatoes and a blend of seasonings add richness to the broth, making it a comforting and warming dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a simple recipe for busy weeknights, this soup will quickly become a go-to meal.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | Calories: 387.7, Fat: 22.8g, Protein: 24.4g |
| Green peppers, diced | 1 ½ cups | Carbohydrates: 23.4g, Fiber: 4.8g, Sugar: 14.2g |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | Carbohydrates: 23.4g, Fiber: 4.8g |
| Carrot, diced | 1 medium | Fiber: 4.8g, Carbohydrates: 23.4g |
| Celery rib, diced | 1 | Fiber: 4.8g |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove | Fiber: 4.8g, Sugar: 14.2g |
| Stewed tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | Sugar: 14.2g |
| Water | 2 cups | Sodium: 1465.9mg |
| Salt | 4 tsp | Sodium: 1465.9mg |
| Black pepper, freshly ground | 1 ½ tsp | Cholesterol: 77.1mg |
| Italian seasoning (optional) | ½ tsp | Saturated fat: 7.4g |
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Instructions for Making Hamburger and Green Pepper Soup
Step 1: Lightly Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Stir frequently, and cook until the beef is no longer red, ensuring that it is just lightly browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Skim the Fat
Skim any remaining fat from the ground beef to reduce the overall fat content of your soup. This step is crucial if you want a lighter broth and cleaner flavors. You can do this by using a spoon to skim off the top layer of fat, or drain the beef in a colander and return it to the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced green peppers, onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once your vegetables are soft, pour in the can of stewed tomatoes (along with the juice), and 2 cups of water. Stir well to combine. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and, if you’d like, Italian seasoning to add a little extra herbal flavor.
Step 5: Add Ground Beef and Simmer
Now, return the browned ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Stir everything together until well-combined. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After the soup has simmered for an hour, taste it and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or simply adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup has reached your desired taste and consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger and Green Pepper Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crackers or a light sandwich for a lunch or dinner that feels satisfying yet light. If you want to add some extra richness to the soup, consider topping each bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387.7 kcal |
| Fat | 22.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1465.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.4 g |
| Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugar | 14.2 g |
| Protein | 24.4 g |
Tips and Variations
- Make it Low-Carb: To make this soup more low-carb, consider replacing the carrots with more celery or bell peppers, as they are lower in carbohydrates.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian variation, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables.
- Extra Creamy Option: To add a creamy texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. This will give the soup a luxurious richness while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
This Hamburger and Green Pepper Soup is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick, wholesome lunch. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a meal that even beginners in the kitchen can confidently tackle. Enjoy the rich combination of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth with your family or friends!
