Hearty Hamburger Soup

Hearty Hamburger Soup: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

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On a crisp autumn evening, nothing beats the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of Hearty Hamburger Soup. Imagine coming home to the rich, savory aroma of ground beef melding with fresh vegetables and hearty barley, creating a one-pot wonder that’s both nourishing and soul-warming. This Hearty Hamburger Soup recipe, straight from exorecipes.com, is your go-to for effortless family dinners that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re battling a cold snap or just craving that classic American comfort food, this soup’s barley-enriched base sets it apart, making every spoonful exceptionally filling and satisfying.

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Picture the tender chunks of ground beef mingling with the nutty chew of barley, carrots, and celery, all enveloped in a robust broth that’s bursting with layers of flavor. The soup’s texture is delightfully hearty—think velvety broth punctuated by slightly al dente vegetables and barley that adds a satisfying bite, while the aroma of garlic, thyme, and bay leaf fills your kitchen like a warm hug. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory beefiness, subtle sweetness from the carrots, and a fresh herbal note that keeps you coming back for more. It’s not just soup; it’s a symphony of tastes and textures that make this Hearty Hamburger Soup an irresistible comfort food classic.

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What makes this Hearty Hamburger Soup recipe from exorecipes.com truly stand out is our exclusive barley-enriched twist, refined by Chef Mia to ensure it’s foolproof and flavorful every time. Drawing from time-tested techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients, we’ve crafted a version that’s not only easy for home cooks but also packed with expert tips to elevate your cooking game. You’ll discover the Chef’s Secret for achieving that unbeatable depth of flavor, plus practical advice on substitutions and storage. Stick around for comprehensive step-by-step instructions, nutritional insights, and answers to all your burning questions about this beloved recipe.

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Why This Hearty Hamburger Soup Recipe is a Game-Changer

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The Chef’s Secret lies in the barley-enriched base, which infuses this Hearty Hamburger Soup with an extra layer of heartiness and nutrition that sets it apart from ordinary beef soups. Barley isn’t just a filler—it’s a game-changer that absorbs flavors while adding a chewy texture and subtle earthiness, making the soup more satisfying and wholesome. By simmering the barley slowly with the beef and vegetables, we ensure it releases natural starches that thicken the broth naturally, creating a velvety consistency without any added thickeners.

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Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this Hearty Hamburger Soup’s texture comes from the barley’s high fiber content, which helps it retain moisture and provide a pleasant chewiness. When combined with the rendered fats from the ground beef, it creates a harmonious balance that prevents the soup from becoming watery, ensuring each bowl is richly textured and comforting.

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Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchens to guarantee success, even for beginners. The straightforward steps and precise timing mean you’ll get consistent results, with the flavors melding perfectly for that signature Hearty Hamburger Soup taste every time.

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Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

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Ground beef is the star of this Hearty Hamburger Soup, providing a rich, savory base that’s packed with protein. Opt for 80% lean ground beef to balance flavor and fat content—too lean, and the soup might lack depth. Quality matters because fresh, well-marbled beef renders into a flavorful broth. For a substitution, try ground turkey for a lighter version, but add a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture and richness.

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Onion adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this Hearty Hamburger Soup. Always use fresh onions for their natural sugars and pungency, which mellow during sautéing. If you’re sensitive to onions, swap with leeks for a milder taste, but adjust cooking time as leeks cook faster and can become mushy if overdone.

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Carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to this Hearty Hamburger Soup, while also adding essential vitamins. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best crunch and flavor release; older ones can be woody. For a twist, substitute with parsnips for a nuttier undertone, but note they might sweeten the soup more, so taste as you go.

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Celery ribs contribute a fresh, crisp element and subtle earthiness, helping to balance the soup’s heartiness. Fresh celery ensures a satisfying texture and herbal notes that complement the beef. If celery is unavailable, use fennel for a similar crunch with a licorice hint, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

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Barley is the unique angle in this Hearty Hamburger Soup, offering a chewy texture and nutritional boost with fiber and B vitamins. Always use pearl barley for quicker cooking and better absorption of flavors. For gluten-free options, substitute with quinoa, which cooks in about the same time and adds a fluffy texture without altering the soup’s hearty essence.

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Beef broth forms the liquid backbone, infusing the soup with deep, umami flavors. Choose low-sodium versions to control salt levels, and opt for homemade if possible for superior taste. If you’re making a vegetarian version, swap with vegetable broth, but enhance with mushrooms for added depth.

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Diced tomatoes add acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the beef in this Hearty Hamburger Soup. Fresh or canned tomatoes work, but ensure they’re high-quality without added sugars. Substitute with crushed tomatoes for a smoother consistency, or fire-roasted ones for a smoky twist that elevates the soup’s complexity.

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Water and condensed tomato soup work together to build the broth’s body. Use filtered water for purity, and choose a good-quality tomato soup without artificial additives. If you want to lighten it up, replace the condensed soup with tomato paste diluted in water, adjusting thickness as needed.

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Bay leaf, parsley, minced garlic, and dried thyme are the flavor enhancers that make this Hearty Hamburger Soup sing. Fresh herbs like parsley and garlic provide the most potent taste, while thyme adds an earthy warmth. For substitutions, use oregano in place of thyme for a Mediterranean flair, and always remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitterness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Hearty Hamburger Soup

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Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

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In a large pot, brown the 1 ½ pounds of ground beef over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. This step builds a flavorful base by caramelizing the meat’s natural sugars.

\tPro Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef evenly for quicker, uniform browning, which ensures every piece gets that delicious sear without overcooking the edges.
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Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

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In the same pot, add the minced onion, carrots, and thinly sliced celery ribs. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

\tCommon Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush this step by turning up the heat too high, as it can burn the onions and make the soup bitter—keep it at medium for even softening and flavor development.
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Step 3: Combining Ingredients

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Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the ½ cup of barley, three 10-ounce cans of beef broth, one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of water, and one 10.5-ounce can of condensed tomato soup. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.

\tPro Tip: Layer in the liquids slowly while stirring to avoid splattering and ensure the barley is fully submerged, which helps it cook evenly and absorb flavors from the start.
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Step 4: Adding Seasonings and Simmering

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Mix in the bay leaf, 1 tablespoon of parsley, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and a dash of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

\tCommon Mistake to Avoid: Forgetting to stir periodically can lead to sticking at the bottom—set a timer to check every 15 minutes and adjust heat if the soup reduces too quickly.
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Step 5: Finishing and Serving

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After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot for the best flavor.

\tPro Tip: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving; this allows the flavors to meld further, enhancing the hearty quality of the barley-enriched broth.

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Serving & Presentation

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Elevate your Hearty Hamburger Soup by serving it in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful medley of vegetables and beef. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of thyme for a pop of green and added aroma, making it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy. Pair this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side of garlic butter rolls to sop up the flavorful broth, or serve alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

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For creative plating, top with a dollop of sour cream or a grating of Parmesan cheese to add creaminess and contrast. This Hearty Hamburger Soup shines as a standalone main course, but it’s also perfect as a starter for family dinners or even a hearty lunch. Experiment with sides like cornbread or roasted potatoes to complement its American cuisine roots, ensuring a satisfying experience that keeps everyone at the table longer.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

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Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep the vegetables and brown the ground beef up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine and simmer when ready to cook. This saves time on busy days and allows flavors to develop even more.

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Storing Leftovers: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.

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The Best Way to Reheat: For optimal texture, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can make the barley mushy—aim for gentle warming to preserve the hearty consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hearty Hamburger Soup

• Author: Chef mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Hamburger Soup, the perfect comfort food for any chilly day. This rich and savory soup combines ground beef, barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a hearty broth that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½pounds ground beef
• 1onion, minced
• 4carrots, minced
• 3celery ribs, thinly sliced
• ½ cupbarley
• 3(10 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1(28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cupswater
• 1(10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 1bay leaf
• 1 tablespoonparsley
• 1 teaspoonminced garlic
• ½ teaspoondried thyme

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Instructions

1. In alarge pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
3. Return the beef to the pot, adding barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato soup. Stir well.
4. Mix in the bay leaf, parsley, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

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Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.Great for freezing; store in airtight containers and reheat for a quick meal.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 5
• Fat: 14
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Protein: 17

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