Hamburger soup is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. This Hearty Hamburger Soup is a perfect blend of ground beef, vegetables, barley, and flavorful seasonings, making it a nourishing and delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner on a cold night or a fulfilling lunch to get you through the day, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this delightful soup.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The base of our soup, providing a rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 onion, minced: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
- 4 carrots, minced: These bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced: For a touch of crunch and a slightly peppery flavor.
- ½ cup barley: This grain thickens the soup and makes it more filling.
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef broth: Provides a robust, savory liquid base.
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet element.
- 2 cups water: To balance out the flavors and ensure the soup has the right consistency.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup: For a concentrated tomato flavor and a creamy texture.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent, savory taste.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a hint of earthy, floral notes.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: For a bit of heat and seasoning.
Directions
Follow these steps to create your Hearty Hamburger Soup:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This step is crucial for a smooth cooking process, ensuring you have everything at hand.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain and discard any excess grease to avoid a greasy soup.
- Add Vegetables and Barley: Stir in the minced onion, carrots, celery, and barley. These ingredients will start to release their flavors and combine with the beef.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and condensed tomato soup. These liquids form the base of your soup, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
- Season the Soup: Season the mixture with the bay leaf, parsley, minced garlic, thyme, and ground black pepper. The bay leaf should be removed before serving, as it is not meant to be eaten.
- Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking. This long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Touches: After 2 hours, check the soup for seasoning. You can add more pepper or a pinch of salt if needed. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. This soup is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a more substantial meal.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and good-quality beef broth will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Consistent Stirring: Stir the soup frequently during simmering to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more barley. Conversely, if you like it thinner, add a little extra water or broth.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like oregano, basil, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
This Hearty Hamburger Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a rough estimate of its nutritional content per serving (assuming the recipe serves 8):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 4-5 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium
The soup’s balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and grains makes it a wholesome meal that can be part of a healthy diet.
Variations
You can customize this soup to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Hearty Hamburger Soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction. Its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and warming qualities make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor each delicious spoonful of this classic dish
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Hearty Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Hamburger Soup is a delicious and filling soup made with ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, providing a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. This soup is easy to make and is great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- 4 carrots, minced
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- ½ cup barley
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Gather all ingredients.
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat, and crumble in ground beef. Cook and stir until beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease.
Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and barley. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and condensed soup. Season with bay leaf, parsley, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and cover.
Simmer for 2 hours, stirring frequently. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg