Beef Barley Soup With Hamburger Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment. Beef barley soup is one of those classic, soul-soothing dishes that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a family or even batch cooking for the week. This soup combines tender beef, earthy barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. What makes it even better is that you can take a simple approach with easy-to-find ingredients, or elevate it with a few expert touches.

In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the recipe for Beef Barley Soup with hamburger, breaking it down step by step. Along the way, I’ll share some handy ingredient insights, tips from the pros, and variations you can try to make this soup your own. So let’s grab a spoon, get cozy, and start cooking!

Beef Barley Soup With Hamburger Recipe

This Beef Barley Soup with hamburger recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The rich, savory broth combined with the meaty goodness of hamburger beef and hearty barley will make it a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

To make this mouthwatering beef barley soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Lb Ground Beef (preferably Lean)

  • The hamburger beef forms the base of the soup’s flavor. It adds richness and protein, which makes the soup filling and hearty.

• 1 Cup Barley (pearl Barley Is Ideal)

  • Barley is the star here, giving the soup a chewy, satisfying texture. It also adds fiber, making the dish even more wholesome.

• 1 Large Onion, Diced

  • Onions give the soup a savory depth, forming a key flavor layer when sautéed with the beef.

• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  • Garlic provides a fragrant, slightly spicy kick that balances the richness of the beef.

• 3 Carrots, Sliced

  • Carrots bring a natural sweetness to the soup, adding a vibrant color contrast to the earthiness of the barley and beef.

• 2 Celery Stalks, Chopped

  • Celery contributes a slight crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor that brightens up the entire dish.

• 1 Can (14.5 Oz) Diced Tomatoes

  • The tomatoes give the soup a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

• 6 Cups Beef Broth (or Stock)

  • Beef broth is the base liquid that enhances the meaty flavor of the soup. You can use homemade or store-bought, but quality broth makes all the difference.

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

  • Thyme adds a herby, slightly earthy flavor that complements the beef and barley perfectly.

• 1 Bay Leaf

  • The bay leaf infuses the soup with an aromatic, slightly floral note, giving the broth a depth of flavor.

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  • Simple but essential, salt and pepper are key to seasoning the soup and bringing out all the flavors in each ingredient.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! These steps are straightforward and designed to create a rich, flavorful soup without requiring too much time or effort.

1. Brown The Beef

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add The Broth And Barley

   • Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and add the barley to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the barley is well mixed into the broth.

4. Season The Soup

   • Drop in the dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring everything to a simmer.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 45-60 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

6. Final Touches

   • Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preference.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra comfort, pair it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients and their roles can elevate your cooking experience. Here’s why each component in this recipe matters:

• Ground Beef

  • You can choose lean ground beef for a healthier version of the soup, but if you want more richness, go for ground chuck or even a mix of beef and pork. The fat adds flavor but remember to drain it to keep the soup from being too greasy.

• Barley

  • Pearl barley is typically used in soups because it has a slightly chewy texture and cooks faster than hulled barley. It’s a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium, making it not only tasty but also nutritious.

• Beef Broth

  • Always use a high-quality beef broth (or stock) to enhance the soup’s flavor. Homemade broth is ideal if you have the time, but store-bought can be a great shortcut. Look for low-sodium options to control the salt level in your soup.

• Tomatoes

  • Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and pack plenty of flavor. The acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness of the beef and adds complexity to the soup.

Expert Tips

• Make It Ahead: Beef barley soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors meld and develop, so consider making it a day in advance for even more intense flavor.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth, or cook the soup a little longer to let the barley absorb more liquid. For a thinner version, add more broth or water.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: While dried thyme works well for this recipe, if you want a fresh herbal note, try adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or rosemary right before serving.
• Pressure Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can cut down on the cooking time significantly. After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, pressure cook the soup for about 20 minutes on high.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this soup with different ingredients or cooking techniques. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy, umami-packed flavor boost.
• Switch Up the Meat: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this soup. You could also try using lamb for a more robust flavor.
• Incorporate Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking for a burst of color and extra nutrients.
• Add Red Wine: For a deeper flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the broth.

Final Words

Beef barley soup with hamburger is one of those recipes that blends comfort, nutrition, and flavor into one hearty bowl. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking to put a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The ingredients are simple, but the result is deeply flavorful and filling. With the tips and variations included, you can tailor this dish to your liking and make it your own.