Make as directed, or substitute what you have on hand (including leftovers in the fridge that you think might go well.)

hambsoup

Hamburger Soup

3/4 – 1 lb lean ground beef
1 small-medium onion, chopped (or half of a large onion)
3 medium-large carrots, peeled (or scrubbed) and sliced
2 large or 3 medium potatoes, peeled (or scrubbed), and cubed
1 can green beans (french cut is nice), undrained
OR a cup or so of green peas
beef broth or bouillon cubes (opt)
1 Tbsp butter (approx)
salt and pepper to taste
water

In a big pot, brown beef and onion over medium heat. Give the meat a good sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add water (and bouillon, if you have) and/or beef broth. “Deglaze” – or scrape and stir any brown on the bottom of the pot into the soup. Add carrots and potatoes, peas or beans, salt and pepper to taste, and water to cover well (by no more than about an inch). Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add a good size dab of butter or two and stir in. Keep hot on the stove over low heat while you set the table. Serve hot with crackers, buttered bread or fresh biscuits. And cold milk.

hambsoup2
Big pot of hamburger soup simmering away on the stove.

This soup is good with leftover diced ham thrown in, if you happen to have any hanging around. Feel free to substitute or use other vegetables (such as leftovers) you think will taste good in combination. This is a good fridge-clean-out kind of soup (aka Refrigerator Soup). A bit of leftover rice, or chopped tomatoes also fit in well.