A Hearty Delight: Canning Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Canning Hamburger Vegetable Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe

There's something truly special about the process of canning, isn't there?

•  The ability to preserve the flavors of a delicious homemade soup like hamburger vegetable soup is not only practical but also immensely satisfying. Today, I'm excited to share with you our journey of canning 5 quarts of this hearty soup, from browning the hamburger to the final sealing of the jars in my trusty electric canner.

Crafting the Perfect Hamburger Vegetable Soup

• Our recipe for hamburger vegetable soup is a labor of love, combining savory ingredients to create a comforting and wholesome dish that we can enjoy for months to come. Here's a glimpse into how we make it:

Ingredients You'll Need:

• - Ground hamburger

• - Fresh minced garlic

• - Onions

• - Potatoes

• - Cabbage

• - Frozen mixed vegetables

• - Tomato sauce

• - Rotel tomatoes

• - Chili powder

• - Salt

• - Black pepper

• - Bacon grease

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Browning the Hamburger: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground hamburger until it's cooked through. This step adds a rich and savory flavor base to the soup.

2. Adding Aromatics: To enhance the flavors, add in fresh minced garlic and onions. Let them sauté until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

3. Vegetables Galore: Toss in diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, and a medley of frozen mixed vegetables. These veggies not only add color and texture but also pack a nutritional punch.

4. Tomatoey Goodness: Pour in tomato sauce and add a can of Rotel tomatoes for a hint of spice and tanginess. The combination of these two ingredients gives the soup its robust tomato flavor.

5. Seasoning to Perfection: Sprinkle in chili powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. These spices elevate the soup's overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.

6. A Touch of Indulgence: For that extra bit of flavor, add a spoonful of bacon grease. It imparts a subtle smokiness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

7. Simmering and Canning: Let the soup simmer on low heat for a while to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the soup is ready, it's time to ladle it into sterilized quart jars, leaving the appropriate headspace.

8. Processing in the Canner: Place the filled jars in your electric canner and process them for 90 minutes. This step ensures that the soup is safely preserved for long-term storage.

9. Cooling Down: After the processing is complete, allow the jars to cool naturally. The entire process, from start to finish, including the cooling down, usually takes around 4.5 hours.

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Carrots, celery, green beans, or even corn can be wonderful additions to this versatile recipe.

2. How long can the canned hamburger vegetable soup last?

• When properly processed and stored in a cool, dark place, the canned soup can last for up to a year. Remember to check the seals before consumption to ensure they are intact.

3. Can I adjust the seasoning according to my taste preferences?

• Of course! The beauty of homemade soup is that you can tailor the seasoning to suit your palate. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and chili powder to your liking.

Creating and canning hamburger vegetable soup is not just about preserving food; it's about capturing the essence of comfort and warmth in a jar. 

With each spoonful, you'll taste the love and effort that went into crafting this hearty dish. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will warm your soul for months to come.