Hearty Hamburger Soup: A Cozy Family-Friendly Favorite
These Hearty Hamburger Soup bowls are packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious barley. They simmer together to create a rich, satisfying dish your family will crave on chilly nights. It’s not just delicious; it’s easy to make and certain to warm hearts and bellies alike.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a big pot of soup simmering on the stove. With each bowlful, you’re guaranteed comfort and warmth, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen, passed down through the years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Join me in making this comforting dish that feels just like home.

Hearty Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy family-friendly favorite, this Hearty Hamburger Soup is packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious barley, creating a rich, satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- 4 carrots, minced
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 0.5 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
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and barley. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and condensed soup. Season with the bay leaf, parsley, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
- Let it simmer for 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To make it cozier, serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top. Pairs well with warm, crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why You Should Make Hearty Hamburger Soup
This soup isn’t just filling; it’s brimming with flavor. You’ll enjoy the rich, savory taste of beef combined with the tender crunch of vegetables, all while savoring the chewy texture of barley. It’s a one-pot meal that can feed a family of four and is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at the table.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- 4 carrots, minced
- 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 0.5 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
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and barley. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and condensed soup. Season with the bay leaf, parsley, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
- Let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup
This soup shines when served warm, and you can make it even cozier with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top. Pair it with warm, crusty bread or thick slices of buttery toast for a truly comforting meal. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends gathered around your dinner table.
How to Store Hearty Hamburger Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This soup also freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Hearty Hamburger Soup
- Customize the veggies: You can easily swap in or out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Green beans, bell peppers, or even corn can add delicious variety.
- Make it spicy: If your family enjoys a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- For extra depth of flavor: You can brown the beef with a bit of Worcestershire sauce.
Variations on Hearty Hamburger Soup
Feeling creative? You can transform this soup into a taco-inspired bowl by adding taco seasoning and serving it with tortilla chips on the side. Or, for a Mediterranean twist, substitute the beef with ground lamb and incorporate ingredients like olives and feta cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and still delivers a satisfying meal while being a tad leaner.
2. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in or add a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with water.
3. Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough pot, and it may take a little longer to simmer. Enjoy the leftovers—trust me, they’ll taste even better the next day!
With this Hearty Hamburger Soup, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for gathering your loved ones around the table. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this cozy dish!