The first time I tasted Vegetable Burger Soup, I was visiting my grandmother during the winter holidays. I distinctly remember the sweet aroma of simmering tomatoes and ground beef wafting through her cozy kitchen, a smell that instantly made me feel welcome and loved. This soup, with its hearty ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a delightful mix of vegetables, was her specialty, a recipe passed down through generations in our family. With each spoonful, I could taste the history, the love, and the culinary expertise that went into making this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Over the years, I’ve learned to recreate my grandmother’s Vegetable Burger Soup, and it’s become a staple in my own kitchen. It’s a meal that’s not only delicious and comforting but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions. And the best part? It’s a soup that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. In this post, I’m excited to share this treasured family recipe with all of you.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 c. dry onion soup mix
- 1 tsp. sugar
Cooking Method
- Brown meat and drain off fat.
- Stir in 2 cups of water and remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Serves 6 to 8.
Calorie: 250
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Epic Saga of the Vegetable Burger Soup
An Unexpected Craving
I woke up with a hankering. Now, I’m not talking about your everyday hankering for a bag of chips or a slice of cake. No, this was a full-blown, all-consuming urge for a hearty bowl of vegetable burger soup.
Quest for the Ingredients
With my craving established, I embarked on the heroic journey to my refrigerator. In my quest, I discovered a pound of ground beef, a 16 oz. can of tomatoes, an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce, and a 10 oz. package of frozen mixed vegetables. I know, a very specific set of ingredients, right? But wait, there’s more! In the depths of my pantry, I uncovered a 1/4 cup of dry onion soup mix and a teaspoon of sugar. It was as if the gods of soup had blessed me with divine inspiration (or maybe I just shop well).
The Battle of the Braise
The first step in my culinary crusade was to brown the ground beef. Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever had to drain off the fat from ground beef, but let me tell you, it’s a slippery undertaking, literally. There I was, wrestling with a pan full of beef, trying not to splash hot grease all over myself, the counter, or my innocent bystander of a cat.
The Great Stirring
Once the beef had been vanquished (and I’d managed to not set the kitchen on fire), it was time to stir in two cups of water and the remaining ingredients. Now, you might think stirring is a simple task, but with a pot full of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables, it’s more like navigating a tiny, tasty whirlpool. Add in the onion soup and the sugar, and you’ve got a flavorful typhoon on your hands.
Boiling Point
Next up was the perilous task of bringing the soup to a boil. Now, I don’t want to be dramatic, but waiting for water to boil is like waiting for paint to dry. It’s the equivalent of culinary grass growing. But lo and behold, the bubble uprising began and the war was almost won.
The Simmering Standoff
Then came the simmering stage. Reducing the heat and covering the pot, I left it to simmer for 20 minutes. It’s kind of like a truce, you know? A temporary ceasefire while both sides regroup. Except in this case, the ‘sides’ are delicious ingredients getting to know each other in a warm, cozy pot.
The Feasting
When the simmering was done, it was time for the payoff – the serving. Now, this recipe serves 6 to 8 people, but with the way my stomach was growling, that sounded more like a suggestion than a rule. With a hearty bowl of soup in hand, I sat down to savor my victory. And let me tell you, folks, it was worth every single splash of hot grease.
The Aftermath
So there you have it, dear readers. The tale of how a humble craving turned into an epic saga of bravery, patience, and stirring. Lots and lots of stirring. And remember, if I can face the perilous task of browning ground beef and waiting for water to boil, you too can conquer the kitchen. Until the next craving strikes, happy cooking!
