Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe With Barley

This Homemade Hamburger Soup has been simmering on my family’s stoves for as long as I can remember. It’s the recipe I constantly crave during our cold Ontario winters.

Using lean ground beef for heartiness and pearl barley to naturally thicken the broth, this meaty soup is a true “hug in a bowl.” It’s a staple I’ve carried with me from my Oma’s kitchen to my own, and I know your family will love it just as much as mine does!

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Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup Recipe

• One-pot soup with easy to follow steps

• Super hearty soup loaded with flavour

• Loaded with over 25 grams of protein per serving

• Perfect choice for food prep

• Freezer friendly

What’s goes in Hamburger Soup?

Lean Ground Beef: 2 pounds of lean ground beef.

Onion: 1 Large Onion chopped fine. I prefer to use a yellow or sweet onion.

Carrots: 4 Large Carrots peeled and chopped fine.

Celery: 3 Large Celery Stalks.

Tomatoes: 1 28oz can of Diced Tomatoes and 1 can of Tomato Soup

Broth: 3 cups of beef broth – you can substitute this for veggie broth if you prefer. I don’t think it makes or breaks the recipe.

Barley: Half a cup of Barley, preferably pearl barley which will cook faster than the alternatives.

Spices: 1 teaspoon each of Dried Parsley, Thyme, and Sage. I also add ground black pepper and salt to taste, and a few bay leaves into this hamburger soup recipe for good measure.

Why Use Pearl Barley in Hamburger Soup?

The reason pearl barley is my go-to is because of the chewy texture it adds to the soup without ever getting mushy, the way some noodles and potatoes do. It’s also a perfect natural thickener that adds a massive nutritional boost—pearl barley is packed full of soluble fiber, making this soup as healthy as it is hearty!

How to Make this Hamburger Soup Recipe

1. Brown the meat and the onions: In a large pot, or dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons of oil and begin to brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat. Once the meat and onion is cooked (about 10 minutes), drain well using a fine colander, and return to the pot.
   
   Side Note: I’m using my beloved Crock Pot 5 Quart Dutch Oven again for this recipe that I just recently purchased. Because it’s still new to me, I’m trying to find any excuse to take it out and use it. It was also the perfect size for this recipe!

2. Add the celery and the carrots: While the meat and onions are cooking, finely chop the 4 large carrots and 3 celery stalks. Add them to your pot once the meat and onions have been drained.

3. Add the tomatoes: Add the can of tomato soup and the 26 oz can of diced tomatoes.

4. Add the liquid: Add the 3 coups of beef broth and 2 cups of water to the pot.

5. Add the spices: Next add the pearl barley, dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried sage to the hamburger soup. I usually will add a few grinds of fresh black pepper here as well.

6. Let it simmer: Stir well, cover, then let your hamburger soup simmer for at least 2 hours, but you can let it simmer for up to 4 to enhance the flavours. Taste and season as needed while it’s simmering.

Simple Tips for this Hamburger Soup Recipe

• Freeze it! This hamburger soup freezes so well! I usually make a batch and freeze half for a cold or rainy day when I don’t feel like cooking. Just freeze it in an air tight container and it should be good for up to 3 months. Just take it out and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating over the stove or microwave.

• Make it Thicker! If you like your soup a little thicker, reduce the amount of water you add to only 1 cup. Reversely, if you prefer your hamburger soup a little thinner add an additional cup of water. This won’t affect the flavour much, only the thickness and texture.

• Try Turkey! If you’re looking to lower the fat content and keep the protein roughly the same, try replacing ground the lean ground beef with ground turkey meat. You will be losing some flavour from the reduced fat, so while you are browning the turkey and onions, I’d add a tablespoon of soy sauce to bring some depth back to the soup.

Love Hearty Soups?

If you enjoyed this hamburger soup, you have to try my White Bean and Sausage Soup with Lemon and Greens. It’s another one of my favourite ‘dump and simmer’ recipes that’s packed with protein and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

As far back as I can remember, this was the soup I’d always ask my Oma to make. It’s been a staple in our family for generations, and I’m so happy to finally share a little bit of that warmth with you.

Did you Make This Recipe, Have any Questions? Leave a comment!

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