Marge Birsky'S Hamburger Soup
Marge Birsky's Hamburger Soup offers a hearty, comforting blend of ground beef, vegetables, and barley, seasoned with herbs and seasoned salt. Its rich tomato base and savory flavors make it perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add the beef, water, tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, pearl barley, catsup, beef bouillon, seasoned salt, basil, and bay leaf to a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the onions and carrots with the beef. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, you could replace pearl barley with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative. To customize, add in your favorite vegetables like green beans or peas, which can enhance the soup's nutrition and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty hamburger soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of cornbread or even a bowl of Quick And Easy Chili for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or grated cheese on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marge Birsky'S Hamburger Soup contains roughly 218 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1613mg per serving (70% 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 for this soup?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is cooked through before adding the other ingredients.
Can I freeze this hamburger soup?
Absolutely! Hamburger soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I add to make it spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You could also stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce or serve with a side of chili oil for those who prefer an extra kick.
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).