If you’re craving a soul-soothing bowl that’s filling, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients, this Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a rich, hearty broth loaded with tender ground beef, the delicate bite of orzo pasta, and a creamy finish that wraps everything in warmth. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a big, inviting hug — perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress family and friends with something simple yet spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients lays the foundation for this delicious Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe. Each element plays a vital role: the ground beef offers savory depth, the orzo adds a delightful texture, and fresh veggies bring brightness and color to every spoonful.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes this soup so satisfying.
- 1 medium onion (chopped finely): Adds sweet, aromatic depth as it cooks down.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely): Gives a subtle crunch and natural earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Used to thicken the soup slightly, creating a comforting texture.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a warm, fragrant punch.
- 4 cups beef broth: The liquid backbone that brings everything together with rich flavor.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness to balance the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers a subtle herb mix for extra depth.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo: Gives the soup comforting body and a pleasing bite.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a luscious, creamy finish that makes this soup irresistible.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional): Brightens the dish with color and nutrition.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by adding the lean ground beef to your Dutch oven or a large soup pot and cook over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it browns, letting it cook thoroughly and develop a rich color. This step builds the savory foundation of your soup and usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes.
Step 2: Drain and Set Aside
Once browned, transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep about a tablespoon of the fat in the pot—it adds delicious flavor to the next ingredients without being greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in your finely chopped onion and celery. Cook these over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their lovely aromas, laying down the veggie base for the soup.
Step 4: Add Flour and Garlic
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir in the minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about a minute while stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste and let the garlic bloom beautifully in the fat.
Step 5: Pour in Beef Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour evenly and avoid lumps. This will start to thicken the broth, giving your soup a richer mouthfeel.
Step 6: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning directly into the pot, then return the browned ground beef to the mix. Crank the heat to high until the soup reaches a gentle boil, combining all those robust flavors.
Step 7: Add Cream and Orzo
Pour in the heavy cream and the uncooked orzo pasta. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking. You’ll see the soup thicken slightly and the orzo get tender — if it gets too thick, just stir in a little more broth or water.
Step 8: Finish with Spinach and Season
Finally, stir in the packed baby spinach, letting it wilt gently into the soup. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This last touch rounds everything out with freshness and a pop of color.
How to Serve Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top adds a wonderful extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also make each bowl even more special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or soft dinner rolls that are perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creamy richness of the soup, making your meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe in individual rustic bowls for a cozy homemade vibe. For entertaining, top each bowl with a small pesto dollop or swirl of sour cream to bring a fresh and elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal leftover for busy days or easy lunches.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and use within 2 to 3 months for best flavor. When freezing, consider leaving the cream out and adding it fresh when reheating to keep the texture silky.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth or water while warming helps restore the soup’s original consistency and prevents it from becoming too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is traditional and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can be great substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it might vary slightly.
Is ground turkey a good alternative to ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option, though the soup’s flavor will be a bit lighter. You might want to add an extra pinch of seasoning to compensate.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rich tomato and cream will still carry the soup beautifully.
What’s the best way to thicken this soup if it’s too watery?
If your soup feels too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while the soup simmers. Another option is to cook it uncovered a little longer to let some liquid evaporate.
Can I skip the cream for a lighter version?
Yes, you can omit the cream for a lighter soup. Consider adding a splash of milk or plain yogurt at the end for some creaminess without the full richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe — it’s like a little love letter in the form of food. Whether you’re feeding a family, gearing up for a chilly evening, or just craving something that hits the spot, this recipe is a winner every time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll find a regular spot in your recipe rotation. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Print
Hamburger Orzo Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Hamburger Orzo Soup combining lean ground beef, vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy broth with fresh spinach for a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a Dutch oven or large soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain off any excess fat from the pot, leaving about one tablespoon of rendered fat behind.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to form a roux and develop flavor.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to fully dissolve the flour and create a smooth base for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Return the browned beef to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Add Cream and Orzo; Simmer: Once boiling, add the heavy cream and uncooked orzo. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking until the orzo is tender. Add extra broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
- Finish with Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh baby spinach until wilted. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or cook a few minutes longer.
- Fresh spinach can be omitted or substituted with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Feel free to swap half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version, but soup richness will vary.
- Stir frequently when simmering orzo to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
