Lentil Hamburger Soup
A hearty and flavorful lentil hamburger soup combining ground beef, vegetables, and tender lentils for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup carrot slices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dried lentils
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef in a 3-quart casserole dish. Add the carrot slices, chopped onion, and chopped garlic.
- Cover loosely and microwave on High for 4 minutes. Stir, cover, and microwave for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until cooked. Drain excess liquid.
- Stir in 2 cups of hot water, the stewed tomatoes with liquid, mushrooms with liquid, dried lentils, sliced celery, dried parsley, salt, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High, stirring every 6 minutes, until vegetables are tender, about 24 to 28 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of hot water, cover tightly, and microwave on High until bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat or an extra cup of lentils. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the flavor. Be sure to rinse lentils before adding them to remove any debris.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty lentil hamburger soup is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top can add a creamy finish. For a complete meal, pair with a side salad or serve alongside Bess' Baked Beans for a comforting American recipes experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Hamburger Soup contains roughly 201 calories, with 11g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 559mg per serving (24% 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 canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Drain and rinse them, then add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through, as they are already cooked and just need warming.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the lentils are tender.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also brighten the dish. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving for a personalized touch.
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).