What To Know
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the barley is tender.
- The higher the quality of the ground beef, the better the soup will taste.
- You can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup and cook until thickened.
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm and savory bowl of hamburger soup with barley. This classic dish is packed with hearty ingredients, making it a perfect meal for the whole family. With its simple preparation and delicious taste, this hamburger soup with barley recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the liquids: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and barley.
4. Season the soup: Add the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the barley is tender.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
- Use different beans: Instead of barley, you can use other beans, such as kidney beans or black beans.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little kick.
- Top it off: Serve the soup with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or crackers.
Benefits of Hamburger Soup with Barley
- Packed with nutrients: Hamburger soup with barley is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Comforting and satisfying: The warm and savory flavors of this soup make it a perfect meal for cold weather.
- Easy to prepare: With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to home cooks of all levels.
- Versatile: The soup is easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup with Barley
- Use a good quality ground beef: The higher the quality of the ground beef, the better the soup will taste.
- Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the ground beef adds flavor and depth to the soup.
- Simmer for a long time: The longer you simmer the soup, the more flavorful it will become.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust the seasonings to your liking.
In a nutshell: Savor the Comfort of Hamburger Soup with Barley
Hamburger soup with barley is a timeless classic that is sure to warm your body and soul. With its hearty ingredients, simple preparation, and delicious taste, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. So gather your loved ones, grab a bowl, and enjoy this comforting meal that will become a family favorite.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will still be delicious!
Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: You can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I freeze hamburger soup with barley?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
Q: What are some other toppings I can add to the soup?
A: Some other toppings you can try include shredded cheese, sour cream, crackers, or chopped fresh parsley.
Q: How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
A: The soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
