Classic Hamburger Soup

4.63 from 48 votes

This classic hamburger soup is a recipe passed down for generations. It is a quick, easy, hearty and full of rich flavor.

Prep Time20

Cook Time55

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 304kcal

Author: Jessica

In a large stockpot or dutch oven, over medium heat brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat, reserving a couple of tablespoons. Add the reserved fat back into the pot and add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Saute for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add in tomatoes, beef consommé, tomato soup, water, pearl barley, parsley, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover with a tight fitting lid. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring regularly.
Remove from heat, keep covered with the lid and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Brown ground beef as directed above before adding it to the crockpot. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Let simmer on high for 4 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.

Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground bison.
Tinned tomatoes can be swapped for fresh, diced Roma tomatoes. Use 28 oz, or around 3 ½ cups.
Beef consommé may be substituted for beef, chicken or vegetable broth.
Any color of bell pepper can be used in this soup.
To make this soup more filling, add a package of cooked cheese tortellini.
To add some spice to this soup, add a diced jalapeno or some chilli flakes.
Lower-Sodium Alternative - Decrease the beef consommé to one can, add 4 cups of sodium-free vegetable broth or chicken broth, and decrease the water to 1 cup.
The soup can simmer much longer than 45 minutes, if you have the time. Set the soup on low and let it simmer for a couple of hours. This will build the flavors even more.
Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.