Grandma’s Hamburger & Vegetable Soup

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a large saucepan or stockpot over medium heat, crumble the ground beef. Cook and stir until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add tomato juice: Pour the entire can of tomato juice over the cooked beef. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, carrots, and diced potatoes. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed in the tomato broth.
4. Incorporate canned vegetables: Add the drained corn and green beans. Stir gently to combine with the other ingredients.
5. Season the soup: Sprinkle in a pinch of ground ginger, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Add more vegetables: Include celery, bell peppers, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Swap the beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Thicker soup: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste or a small handful of rice or small pasta to make it heartier.

Serving Suggestions