Hamburger Soup

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This has been a long time favorite of my family's, it is a hearty soup with so much flavor! This should be enough for 6-8 people but can be doubled if desired, and it freezes very well. The barley can be replaced with rice. I have made this soup many times using tiny meatballs, that have been browned first. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, if you like some heat then add them in when cooking the soup. This soup is very good, and tastes even better the day after!

• Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs extra lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (can use more)
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 3 (10 ounce) cans beef consomme, undiluted (make certain to use only beef consomme, not beef broth!)
• 1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup, undiluted
• 5 -6 carrots, chopped into about 1-inch pieces
• 1 -2 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic; drain any fat (if you are making this soup with meatballs, brown the meatballs first, then sauté the onions and garlic after the meatballs).
2. Add in all remaining ingredients except Parmesan cheese, and simmer for a minimum of 3 hours, (adjusting ingredients to suit taste).
3. Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Reviews

[Epi Curious]

Outstanding. My Mom used to make something similar to this when I was growing up but this is much, much better. Loved the garlic and barley in this soup. Added some frozen peas and a teaspoon paprika & used about a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. I will be making this often! I love to try your recipes, Kitten, because they never disappoint, and they always go into my regular rotation. :-)

[sherry1246]

EXCELENT! The beef consume really made it

[PjD#2]

This is one great recipe!! And SO very filling... I didn't have consomme so used (gasp!) beef stock. Also added basil and celery. Next time I will try it with the red pepper flakes. Thanks so much for sharing :)