Hearty Hamburger Soup

Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m overflowing with gratitude as I get to share a recipe that’s not only a family favorite but also a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. This Hearty Hamburger Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you crave is something comforting and satisfying. This recipe promises to fill your home with an aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen!

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

this Recipe

How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the minced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato soup. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Season and Simmer: Add the bay leaf, parsley, minced garlic, dried thyme, and ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until the barley is tender.
5. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Helpful Tips

• Simmer Slowly: Letting your soup simmer gently helps develop deeper flavors. Don’t rush this step!
• Stir Occasionally: This prevents the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Substitutions/Variations

• Meat Variations: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this soup.
• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat and double up on veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, using vegetable broth instead.
• Gluten-Free Needs: Swap barley for rice or quinoa to make this recipe gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning your meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup freezer friendly?

Yes, this hamburger soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup as mentioned above.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved this soup, you might also enjoy exploring these comforting dishes:

• Creamy Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe

Each recipe shares a common theme—they’re all about comforting flavors and heartwarming meals.

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! I hope this Hearty Hamburger Soup brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine. Remember, every meal is a chance to connect and share love. Enjoy cooking, and even more so, enjoy eating!

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