Hearty Hamburger Soup

Makes 16 servings

This high-protein soup is sure to warm you up this winter

In the wintertime, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. This delicious hearty hamburger soup, packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, is a celebration of classic flavors guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Not only is this recipe perfect for a cozy family dinner, but it also makes a generous batch—ideal for freezing in individual containers for quick lunch and supper meals throughout the season.

What You Need:

• 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) tomatoes, blended
• 1 can (19 oz) lentils or beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
• 8 cups (2 L) vegetable or beef broth
• 4 carrots, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 8 tbsp (about 1/2 cup) barley
• 2 medium potatoes, diced into small pieces
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to a large stockpot. Add the blended tomatoes, lentils, tomato soup, broth, carrots, celery, barley, potatoes, parsley, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add additional water or broth as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread for a satisfying winter meal.

Dietitian Note: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before portioning into airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• 190 Calories22g Carbohydrates
• 15g Protein 
• 5g Fat 
• 4g Dietary Fiber

Recipe courtesy of Andrea Holwegner, Health Stand Nutrition