Easy Hamburger Veggie Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup combining lean ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for comforting family meals and versatile for all seasons.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. very lean hamburger or ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. pearl barley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes or V-8 juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 can sliced carrots
- 1 can butter beans or green lima beans
- 1 can Great Northern beans or green beans ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen corn ⓘ
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 c. noodles or pasta of your choice ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion in a large, heavy stainless steel pot until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is clear.
- Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the pot, then stir in the pearl barley, ground black pepper, garlic granules, and thyme.
- Add stewed tomatoes or V-8 juice, sugar (omit if using only tomatoes), sliced carrots, butter beans or green lima beans, Great Northern beans or green beans, frozen corn, peeled and cubed potatoes, and chicken broth.
- Cook until all ingredients are tender.
- Add frozen peas and noodles or pasta of your choice and cook until the peas are heated through and noodles are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the pearl barley with quinoa or rice if desired. To enhance the soup's nutrition, add leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, include some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad to complement the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Cornbread Dressing For Boiled Or Baked Chicken Or Turkey, making it a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a light dessert such as fruit salad or sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Hamburger Veggie Soup contains roughly 2498 calories, with 48g protein, 536g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (347% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (247% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
To make this soup more filling, you can add additional vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even some cooked pasta. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving can also enhance its richness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).