Hearty Hamburger Orzo Soup | Easy and Comforting Recipe
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Hamburger Orzo Soup
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to warm both body and soul. Our Hearty Hamburger Orzo Soup has earned its place as one of the most beloved recipes on DailyMeatRecipe.com, combining the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with the delightful texture of orzo pasta and the nourishing qualities of fresh vegetables. This soup strikes the perfect balance between being substantial enough to serve as a complete meal while remaining light enough to enjoy year-round.
What makes this hamburger orzo soup truly special is its versatility and universal appeal. Children love the familiar flavors of ground beef and pasta, while adults appreciate the sophisticated blend of herbs and the medley of vegetables. It’s a recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In less than an hour, you can have a restaurant-quality soup simmering on your stovetop, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or a hearty lunch option that provides delicious leftovers, this hamburger orzo soup recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients for Hamburger Orzo Soup
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound | Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) recommended |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Celery stalks | 2 | Diced |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Orzo pasta | 1 cup | Uncooked |
| Beef broth | 6 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | With juices |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness and depth |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon | Or a blend of dried herbs |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Whole |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | For umami flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups | Roughly chopped (optional) |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated, for serving |
| Red pepper flakes | To taste | Optional, for heat |
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (Recipe makes 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Potassium | 730mg |
| Iron | 3.5mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
Preparation Instructions for Hamburger Orzo Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- If necessary, drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and add bay leaves and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add the Orzo
- Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the simmering soup.
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente).
- Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add additional beef broth or water, ½ cup at a time.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- If using spinach, stir it into the hot soup and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your hamburger orzo soup into a complete and satisfying meal with these serving ideas:
- Pair with a crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a fresh contrast.
- For a heartier meal, add a grilled cheese sandwich on the side – the combination of soup and sandwich is classic comfort food.
- Set up a topping bar with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, croutons, and a variety of hot sauces to allow each person to customize their bowl.
- For special occasions, serve the soup as a first course before a lighter main dish such as grilled chicken or fish.
This hamburger orzo soup is versatile enough to serve for a casual family dinner or as part of a more elaborate meal when entertaining guests. The bright colors of the vegetables make for an appealing presentation, especially when garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.
Pro Tips
Elevate your hamburger orzo soup with these expert tips from DailyMeatRecipe.com:
- Beef Selection: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly ground beef with a fat content between 85-90%. This provides enough fat for flavor without making the soup greasy.
- Pasta Timing: Add the orzo during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to individual bowls of soup to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid during storage.
- Flavor Booster: For an extra layer of flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove it before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tips: The flavor of this soup actually improves after a day in the refrigerator. If making ahead, prepare the soup without the orzo and spinach, then add these ingredients when reheating.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well without the pasta. When ready to serve, thaw completely, bring to a simmer, and add fresh orzo to cook.
- Vegetable Prep: For uniform cooking, aim to dice all vegetables to approximately the same size.
- Seasoning Secret: Wait until the end to adjust salt levels, as the broth will reduce and concentrate flavors as it simmers.
Variations of Hamburger Orzo Soup
Customize this hamburger orzo soup recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
Mediterranean-Style Soup
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ cup of chopped kalamata olives, and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of good olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Southwest Version
Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, add 1 diced bell pepper with the other vegetables, and include 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and diced avocado.
Vegetable-Packed Option
Double the vegetables and add others like zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, or corn for an even more nutritious soup. This is a great way to use up vegetables in your crisper drawer.
Italian Wedding Soup Fusion
Form the ground beef into tiny meatballs instead of browning it loose. Add extra spinach or substitute with escarole for a soup reminiscent of Italian wedding soup.
Creamy Variation
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup that’s especially comforting on cold days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline (little stars), or acini di pepe work well. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta shape chosen.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients except orzo and spinach. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking and the spinach just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This hamburger orzo soup is excellent for meal prep. Prepare a double batch and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. If prepping far in advance, consider keeping the cooked orzo separate and adding it to the soup when reheating.
How can I make this soup more kid-friendly?
Most children already love this soup thanks to the familiar pasta and ground beef, but you can make it even more appealing by chopping the vegetables very finely or even pureeing some of them to “hide” them in the broth. Using alphabet pasta instead of orzo can also make the soup more fun for young eaters.
Conclusion
Our Hearty Hamburger Orzo Soup embodies what we strive for at DailyMeatRecipe.com: delicious, approachable recipes that bring comfort and satisfaction to your table without requiring professional culinary skills. This soup delivers the perfect balance of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and nutritious vegetables in a flavorful broth that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re seeking a warming dinner on a cold evening, a make-ahead lunch option for busy weekdays, or a versatile recipe that pleases both adults and children alike, this hamburger orzo soup checks all the boxes. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in its adaptability – feel free to adjust the seasonings, swap vegetables based on what’s in season, or modify the consistency to suit your preference.
We’d love to hear how your hamburger orzo soup turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your experience, photos, or any variations you tried. While you’re there, explore our extensive collection of meat-based recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion centerpieces. Our website is regularly updated with new, delicious recipes designed to make your time in the kitchen both enjoyable and rewarding.
Remember, great meals bring people together, and there’s something especially comforting about sharing a steaming bowl of homemade soup with loved ones. From our kitchen to yours, we hope this hamburger orzo soup recipe becomes a cherished addition to your family’s meal rotation!
