Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

Hey there, soup lovers!

Are you in the mood for something warm and hearty?

I’ve got a great recipe for you: hamburger barley soup!

It’s packed with flavor, filling, and super easy to whip up.

Perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a little comfort food.

Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Possible Ingredient Alternatives

Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option. These substitutes maintain a similar texture and can be cooked using the same method as ground beef. Pearl barley can be swapped with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative. These grains offer similar nutritional benefits and cooking times, though the texture will be slightly different. Adjust liquid amounts as needed. V8 vegetable juice can be substituted with tomato juice or additional diced tomatoes blended with vegetable broth. This maintains the soup’s flavor profile while allowing for more control over sodium content. If using tomato juice, consider adding extra vegetables or seasonings to compensate for the flavor complexity of V8.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	120 minutes
Total Time	135-140 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

Calories: 800-900
Protein: 50-60 g
Fat: 30-40 g
Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 stalks celery
2 carrots
1 onion
1 cup dried pearl barley
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can v8 vegetable juice
1 carton beef broth
2 cups water
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Black pepper to taste

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by chopping your vegetables: celery, carrots, and onion.

These will add flavor and nutrition to your soup.

Step 2: Cook the Hamburger

In a soup pot, brown the ground hamburger over medium heat.

Stir frequently and use a spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces.

Continue cooking until the hamburger is fully cooked and browned.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Barley

Add the chopped vegetables (onion, celery, and carrots) into the pot with the cooked hamburger.

Add the dried barley as well.

Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Spices

Pour in a large can of diced tomatoes, one can of V8 vegetable juice, one carton of beef broth, and 2 cups of water.

Add spices including parsley, garlic powder, thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper to taste.

Stir well to combine all ingredients and spices evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Soup

Heat the mixture until it comes to a boil.

Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot.

Let the soup simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

After 2 hours of simmering, remove the bay leaves from the soup.

Turn off the heat and spoon the soup into bowls for serving.

You can enjoy it with oyster crackers, cornbread, or grilled cheese sandwiches as desired.

hamburger barley soup — Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly