Hamburger Barley Vegetable Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable soup with ground beef and barley, perfect for a comforting family meal. Rich in tomatoes and seasoned with herbs, it offers a savory taste that appeals to all ages. Ideal for chilly evenings or meal prep, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 3 beef flavor bouillon cubes or 3 tsp. instant beef bouillon or Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes, undrained and cut up ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 c. barley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 c. catsup ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown the ground beef.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Stir in water, beef flavor bouillon, carrots, tomatoes, onions, celery, green pepper, barley, salt, pepper, bay leaves, catsup, and tomato sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until vegetables and barley are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with minced garlic and herbs like thyme or oregano. You can substitute the barley with brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. Adding frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking can also enhance the soup's texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finish. This Hamburger Barley Vegetable Soup pairs beautifully with Cabbage Meatballs for a comforting dinner. Consider offering a variety of crackers on the side for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Barley Vegetable Soup contains roughly 438 calories, with 15g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (186% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1435mg per serving (62% 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 use a different type of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. You can also use diced beef or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if using larger pieces of meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the vegetables. You could also stir in hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).