Here’s a simple and easy recipe for a comforting meal of Hamburger, Green Beans, Tomato Soup, and Mashed Potatoes. This recipe can be made in one go, with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or any casual occasion. Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Hamburger:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor

For the Green Beans:

• 1 lb fresh green beans (or frozen if unavailable)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for garnish

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Preparing the Hamburger:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Season the Beef: Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to taste. Stir everything together and set aside.

2. Cooking the Green Beans:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and rinse them under cold water. If using frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
2. Sauté the Green Beans: In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat them in the butter and garlic. Cook for about 6-8 minutes for fresh beans (a bit less for frozen) until tender but still crisp.
4. Optional Garnish: If desired, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the beans or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

3. Making the Tomato Soup:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes.
4. Balance the Flavors: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Optional Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or milk and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
6. Blending (Optional): If you prefer a smooth tomato soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer it to a blender.

4. Making the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and begin mashing the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork.
3. Add Milk or Cream: Gradually add the milk or cream while mashing until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for extra flavor.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Serve the Hamburger: Plate the seasoned ground beef alongside your green beans. The savory flavors of the hamburger pair perfectly with the garlicky, buttery green beans.
2. Serve the Soup: Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra presentation points. This soup serves as a light and refreshing starter, with its tangy tomato flavor balancing out the richness of the hamburger.
3. Serve the Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the fluffy mashed potatoes onto the plate. The creamy texture and buttery flavor of the potatoes complement the meal perfectly.

Tips for Customization:

• Adding Veggies to the Hamburger: If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, you can toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots to the hamburger mixture.
• Spicing Up the Green Beans: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the green beans.
• Different Soups: If you’re not a fan of tomato soup, you can easily swap it out for something like a creamy potato or mushroom soup.
• Mashed Potato Variations: If you’re looking for a twist on the classic mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic, cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar), or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Conclusion:

This simple, easy-to-make recipe of hamburger, green beans, tomato soup, and mashed potatoes brings together comfort, nutrition, and flavor in one delicious meal. The seasoned ground beef offers a hearty protein source, while the green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast. The tomato soup lightens the meal with its tangy, flavorful warmth, and the mashed potatoes provide the perfect creamy finish. Whether you’re cooking for family or yourself, this meal is sure to satisfy and impress.

With easy-to-follow steps and flexible ingredients, it’s also a great base recipe you can tweak to your liking!