Hamburger-Lentil Soup
Hearty and comforting lentil soup with ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables, offering rich flavors perfect for a filling family meal or casual dinner. Nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rinsed and drained lentils, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
- Brown the hamburger with chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, marjoram, salt, and pepper in a skillet.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture to the lentils. Stir in chopped tomatoes and sliced carrots.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, yielding approximately 3 1/2 quarts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you don't have lentils, split peas can be a great substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also elevate the dish. For a heartier version, try adding some diced potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hamburger-Lentil Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Bert And Ben'S Sweet And Sour Green Beans for a vibrant side dish. For a cozy option, top the soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy with a glass of your favorite red wine for a comforting evening.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger-Lentil Soup contains roughly 1039 calories, with 19g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2231mg per serving (97% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can add extra vegetables or even some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for added texture and nutrition.
How do I know when the lentils are done cooking?
Lentils are done cooking when they are tender but still hold their shape. Taste a few towards the end of the simmering time to check for doneness. If they are mushy, they may have been overcooked.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all vegetables are tender.
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).