Description
Classic Hamburger Soup is a hearty and comforting stew featuring lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, pearl barley, and a blend of savory herbs and spices. This easy-to-make soup simmers to tender perfection on the stovetop or in a crockpot, delivering a warming, nutritious meal perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients
Meat
- 600 grams Organic Ground Beef (lean)
Vegetables
- 1 large Onion (diced, optional)
- 4 medium Carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 4 stalks Celery (chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
Canned Goods & Liquids
- 28 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned, drained)
- 3 cans Beef Consommé
- 1 can Tomato Soup
- 2 cups Water
Grains & Legumes
- 1/2 cup Pearl Barley
Herbs & Spices
- 1 Tablespoon Parsley Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2-3 Bay Leaves
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, reserving a couple of tablespoons for cooking the vegetables later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the reserved fat to the pot. Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef consommé, tomato soup, water, pearl barley, parsley, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from heat while keeping the pot covered and let the soup stand for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Crockpot Cooking Option: For the crockpot method, brown the ground beef as above, then add it along with all other ingredients into the crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8-10 hours until vegetables and barley are tender and flavors are well developed.
Notes
- The onion is optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor or avoid onions.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat and creates a healthier dish.
- Pearl barley adds a chewy texture and boosts the fiber content of the soup.
- Make sure to stir regularly during stovetop simmering to prevent sticking.
- The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American