Ingredients

• 1 lb hamburger meat (ground beef)
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, chop the tomatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob, or simply measure out your frozen or canned corn.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

3. Cook the Vegetables

• Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned beef, and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Spices

• Stir in the chopped tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the tomatoes to cook down for about 3-4 minutes, releasing their juices and creating a flavorful base for the soup.

5. Add the Broth and Potatoes

• Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, followed by the diced potatoes and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Taste and Adjust

• Once the potatoes are soft, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or paprika depending on your preferences. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

(Note: These values are approximations and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?

• Yes! While ground beef is traditional, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat altogether and use extra vegetables or plant-based protein sources, like lentils.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

• If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the soup along with the garlic. You can also add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

• Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

• Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini. These can be added with the potatoes and corn for a heartier soup.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hearty Beef and Corn Soup

1. Cut Vegetables Evenly: To ensure even cooking, try to cut your potatoes, onions, and other vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This will help them cook at the same rate and ensure consistency in texture.
2. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone’s preferences for spices can vary, so feel free to tweak the amount of oregano, paprika, and salt to suit your taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
3. Use Homemade or Low-Sodium Broth: If possible, use homemade beef or vegetable broth, or choose a low-sodium store-bought option. This gives you more control over the salt content and makes the soup healthier.
4. Add Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk just before serving. This will give the soup a richer, velvety texture.
5. Top with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs, like cilantro, parsley, or green onions, make a lovely finishing touch. They add a fresh burst of flavor and bright color to the soup.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen it up if necessary.
• Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove. Avoid freezing the soup with any dairy added, as it may cause the texture to change.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef and Corn Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and filling meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and corn, this soup is packed with flavor and perfect for any time of year. The seasoning blend of oregano and paprika adds depth, while the broth ties it all together in a rich, savory base. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or packing leftovers for lunch, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

With easy-to-follow steps and the option to make it ahead of time or freeze for later, this recipe is a great go-to for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness of this beef and corn soup in your home today!