Name: Hamburger Soup
Yield: Makes 12 Servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck or other ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14.5-ounce can) whole tomatoes; 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal; 5 large red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks; 3 cups beef broth, more as needed; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Image may contain Bowl Dish Food Meal Soup Bowl Pizza Stew Curry Soup and Plant

Photo by Ree Drummond

I made this glorious hamburger soup one Sunday in winter for three very important reasons: One, it was so ding dang cold outside, all I could think about was soup. Two, church was canceled (Church? Canceled? I don't understand.) and I didn't have anything else to do. Three, I was hungry, man.

I love hamburger soup so much because it's meaty and hearty and flavorful and satisfying. Mmmmmm! It just feels good to eat it, and as a bonus, it always reminds me of my grandmother Ga-Ga.

And that always means it's going to be delicious.

Variations:

Add any veggies you'd like to the soup: diced zucchini, corn kernels, cut green beans, or mushrooms.

Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Add peeled, diced parsnips or peeled, diced butternut squash to the soup.

Recipe notes

Beef Stroganoff Ramen

This traditional dish of beef, sour cream, and mustard may have originated in Russia, but it’s about time for a version with ramen noodles, don’t you think?

Smoky Tofu Shakshuka

This vegan version of the classic North African scramble uses soft silken tofu instead of eggs without any sacrifice of flavor.

Berberger Pasta

This comforting cheeseburger-inspired pasta from Kiano Moju is bolstered by berbere spice.

Frijoles de la Olla Ramen (Mexican Stewed Beans)

Traditionally, this Mexican staple is simmered for hours in an olla, or clay pot. You can achieve a similar result by using canned beans and instant ramen.

Stir-Fried Phở Noodles With Beef

This dish is not only a quick meal option but also a practical way to use leftover phở noodles when you’re out of broth.

Charred Vegetable Ragù

This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!

Chicken Croquettes

Rather than breaded and fried as you might expect croquettes to be, these are something more akin to a seared chicken salad patty.

Lenox’s Sancocho

This Puerto Rican sancocho recipe is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with falling-off-the-bone beef, tender carrots, potatoes, squash, corn, plantain, and yuca.