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Freezer Meals: Hamburger Soup Recipe

Freezer Meals: Hamburger Soup Recipe

4.8 from 27 reviews

This Hamburger Soup freezer meal is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy days. Made with browned ground beef, Italian style diced tomatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, and elbow macaroni, it is a simple, delicious, and convenient meal you can prep in advance and freeze. Just thaw, cook, and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of soup that’s great for families or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 cups browned ground beef (drained well, about 2 pounds uncooked ground beef)

Vegetables & Broth

  • 14.5 ounce Italian style diced stewed tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups frozen vegetable mix of choice
  • 1 cup corn kernels

Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dry thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 small bay leaf

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked large elbow macaroni

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients except the uncooked elbow macaroni into a gallon-size freezer bag. Ensure that the browned ground beef has been drained well to avoid excess grease in the soup.
  2. Seal and Flatten: Seal the freezer bag carefully, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Flatten the bag to create an even layer, which helps with freezing and storage.
  3. Freeze on Cookie Sheet: Lay the freezer bag flat on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer. This ensures the soup freezes evenly and makes it easy to stack and store later.
  4. Store Properly: Once the soup is completely frozen, remove the cookie sheet and store the bag in the freezer. Use the soup within 3 months for the best quality and flavor.
  5. Cook When Ready: When ready to enjoy, thaw the freezer bag in the refrigerator overnight. Pour the contents (including the frozen vegetables and seasonings) into a large pot. Bring to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook on medium heat until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season to taste and remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

  • Drain browned ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess fat in the soup.
  • Choose frozen vegetable mixes with favorites like carrots, peas, green beans, or a blend to customize the soup.
  • Adjust seasoning after cooking, as freezing may mellow flavors.
  • You can substitute large elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
  • Store the frozen soup flat for up to 3 months to maintain best quality.
  • For quicker cooking, add pasta separately just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: hamburger soup, freezer meals, ground beef soup, easy soup recipe, make ahead soup, freezer friendly, comfort food