Hearty Hamburger Barley Soup
This hearty and flavorful Hamburger Barley Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, it simmers in the slow cooker, so you can come home to a warm, satisfying meal after a busy day.
I recently found this recipe from a friend tucked away in my recipe file and decided to give it a try. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients I had on hand, it came together beautifully and filled the house with such a cozy smell. It’s the perfect dinner for chilly days when you are craving something warm and cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Barley Soup Recipe
- Easy to prepare – just brown the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer.
- Wholesome & hearty – packed with tender beef, vegetables, and barley for a filling meal.
- Perfect for meal prep – makes a big batch and freezes well for easy lunches and dinners.
Ingredients for Hamburger Barley Soup
For exact measurements and instructions, check out the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground beef – adds rich, hearty flavor to the soup.
- Onion & garlic – bring depth and a savory base to the broth.
- Carrots & celery – classic soup veggies for sweetness and texture.
- Diced tomatoes – provide a rich, tangy broth.
- Pearl or pot barley – adds a chewy, nutty texture that makes the soup extra satisfying.
- Beef broth – creates a deep, comforting flavor.
- Bay leaf – enhances the overall taste with a hint of herbal warmth.
- Salt & pepper – simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Ground Beef & Barley Soup Recipe
Hearty and full of flavor, this hamburger barley soup is a filling dinner idea for chilly days. And, bonus, it can be made in the crock pot so it can simmer and be ready for dinner after a busy day!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1-28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2/3 cup pearl or pot barley
- 4 packages oxo beef boullion powder mixed with 6 cups boiling water
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Step One: Brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with 1/2 cup onion and 1 clove minced garlic. Drain off fat and put into slow cooker.
Step 2: Dice 3-4 medium carrots and 3 stalks celery.
Step 3: Layer carrots and celery on top of cooked hamburger mixture.
Step 4: Add 1- 28 oz can diced tomatoes,2/3 cup pearl or pot barley, and **4 packages oxo beef broth powder that has been mixed with 6 cups boiling water. (**Or, if you can’t find the beef broth powder, use 4 cups beef broth and 2 cups water.)
Step 5: Salt and pepper to taste and add one bay leaf. Cover crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour and on low for 5-6 hours.
Simple Instructions for Making Hamburger Barley Soup
(For all the detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card.)
Helpful Tips, Substitutions, & Variations When Making This Recipe
- No beef broth powder? Substitute 4 cups beef broth plus 2 cups water.
- Prefer a richer flavor? Use a mix of beef and pork or add Worcestershire sauce.
- Swap ground beef for turkey – a leaner option with great flavor.
- Use quick-cooking barley – if short on time, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add potatoes or mushrooms – for extra heartiness and texture.
How to Portion, Cook, and Freeze This Recipe to Fit Your Lifestyle
Whether you’re cooking for a family, prepping ahead, or cooking for two, here are some different options you can choose from to make it work for you:
- Making for two? Cook as directed and eat the leftovers throughout the week, or freeze them for another day.
Freezing ahead? Cook the soup completely, let it cool, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Heating after freezing? Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Favorite Cookware for 2!
If you’re cooking for 2, treat yourself to the perfect sized pans! You can find my favorites in my Amazon shop here on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada. (They are affilate links.)
Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips
Although this is a crock pot recipe, you can also make this soup on the stovetop. Just let it come to a simmer, cover it, and let it simmer until the barley is fully cooked.
Side Dishes to Serve with This Hearty Soup Recipe
- Crusty bread or buns – perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Here are some of my our favorites: sourdough bread, overnight buns, & bread machine dinner rolls.
- Garden salad – a fresh contrast to the rich, comforting soup.
- Baking powder biscuits – a delicious, buttery side that pairs wonderfully.
For more soup recipes, you may want to check these out:
- Hamburger Rice Soup is another hearty soup recipe perfect for chilly days.
- This pumpkin chili recipe with turkey is hearty and filling
- Rachael Ray buffalo chicken chili is perfect if you like spicy food!
- These delicious (and easy!) dumplings for soup can turn your favorite soups and stews into one pot dinners!
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This hearty hambueger barley soup looks like the perfect comfort food for a chillly evening!
This looks so comforting for a cold day! I love that it’s a slow cooker recipe, makes weeknight dinners so much easier.
This hamburger barley soup looks so hearty and comforting—perfect for a cozy meal, and the recipe is easy to follow too!
This hamburger barely soup looks like the comfort food-perfet for a cozy family dinner!