Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a comforting, robust dish packed with ground beef, mixed vegetables, potatoes, and barley. Its rich tomato and beef broth base makes it perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a nourishing and flavorful experience with each spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. hamburger ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans beef broth ⓘ
- 1 46-oz. can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 2 pkg. dry onion soup mix ⓘ
- 2 1-lb. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1-1/2 c. celery, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. potatoes, in bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pearl barley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onions in a skillet, then drain the excess fat.
- In a large, at least 8-quart pot, combine all ingredients except salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add salt and pepper to taste.
- If the soup is too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the hamburger with garlic or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking. You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones or whatever you have on hand, like green beans or corn. To save time, use pre-cut vegetables. If you enjoy hearty soups, try variations like Heavenly Stew or Chili For 100 People.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost. It also goes well with a light dessert, like fruit salad, to balance the meal. Consider serving it alongside Busy Day Beef for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and gently heat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding water if it's too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup contains roughly 814 calories, with 14g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1835mg per serving (80% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. It will still provide a hearty texture and can absorb the flavors of the soup well. Just be sure to season it adequately, as turkey can be milder in flavor compared to beef.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) and stirring it into the soup, cooking for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker consistency.
What vegetables can I add to customize the soup?
You can customize this soup with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just keep in mind cooking times; add quicker-cooking vegetables later in the simmering process to maintain their texture. This flexibility allows you to cater to your family's preferences.
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).