Bestest Hamburger Soup

My Bestest Hamburger Soup: A Family Favorite Recipe

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Bestest Hamburger Soup perfectly fits that bill. It's a hearty, comforting meal that my family absolutely adores, and honestly, it’s become a staple in our household. It's so versatile; we can enjoy it on a chilly weeknight, or dress it up a bit for a special occasion. The truth is, it all started with my little daughter. Years ago, when she was just a toddler, she declared this soup the "Bestest" after her first taste. And that, my friends, is the highest praise a recipe can receive!

What makes this soup so special? It's the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and hearty split peas, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. The macaroni adds a lovely textural element, and the Parmesan cheese topping provides a delightful salty finish. But the secret ingredient? Perhaps it's the love that goes into each bowl. I've made this recipe countless times, adapting it to suit our preferences and our ever-changing needs. We've experimented with different vegetables, different types of pasta, and even different spices. But the fundamental deliciousness remains unchanged, the cornerstone of many happy family meals. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can transform into such a satisfying and delicious dish. It’s a meal that is perfect for busy weeknights – you can throw it together quickly and easily and have a hot, nourishing meal ready in under an hour.

One of the best things about this Bestest Hamburger Soup is how well it freezes. I often make a double batch, store half in the freezer, and pull it out on those days when time is particularly short. It reheats beautifully, and the flavor is just as vibrant as when it was freshly made. This is perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests, the convenience factor alone makes it a winner in our house. It's also a great way to make the most of leftovers and reduce food waste. The flexibility of this recipe means I can adapt it to the ingredients I have on hand – sometimes I add extra vegetables or change the type of pasta depending on what’s in the pantry.

But beyond its convenience and taste, this soup is more than just a meal; it’s a memory maker. The image of my little girl declaring it the "Bestest" is etched in my mind. It’s a recipe that evokes warmth, happiness and the simple joys of family life. Each time I make it, I’m transported back to those moments, creating new memories around the table with my family. That, in itself, is priceless. I hope this recipe brings you the same joy and comfort it brings to our family.

So, the next time you're looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, give my Bestest Hamburger Soup a try. I'm confident it will become a new family favorite in your household, too. It's more than just a soup; it's a taste of home, a reminder of simple joys, and a perfect way to nourish the body and soul. The warmth and comfort it provides are immeasurable, and the smiles on my family's faces as they enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup are truly a priceless reward for a simple recipe. Try it, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Beyond the Recipe: More than just a meal

This soup is about more than just the ingredients and the steps. It’s about the love, the memories, the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together. It’s about family, and the comfort that comes from a warm bowl on a cold day. It's a tradition that we’ve created, and that tradition keeps growing with each bowl of soup we share. It is also a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the magic that happens when we combine them with care and love.

Step-by-step

• In a large saucepan, brown the meat and drain excess fat.
• Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, seasoned salt, and onion soup mix.
• Stir in boiling water, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.
• Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare celery, celery leaves, and carrots. Then add them to the simmering mixture with split peas and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
• Add macaroni and simmer for 30 minutes longer, adding more water if necessary and stirring occasionally.
• Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese over individual servings.
• To freeze, place soup in a rigid container and freeze.
• To reheat, remove from the freezer and thaw. Place soup in a saucepan and heat, stirring until hot.