Simple Hamburger Soup might be simple to make but it has a depth of flavor that will astound you. Don’t get us wrong; the tender, juicy, savory hamburger meat is still the main attraction, but hearty barley, bright garden vegetables, and a sweet, umami tomato and beef broth make each sip of Simple Hamburger Soup feel much more than simple. This will become a favorite in your house, plain and simple!

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 4 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 4 large carrots, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
Directions
Step 1 –In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the beef and the onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it up as you cook, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2 –Drain the fat from the saucepan.
Step 3 –Stir the tomatoes, the broth, and the water into the meat mixture.
Step 4 –Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5 –Add the celery, the carrots, the barley, the thyme, and the pepper to the meat mixture.
Step 6 –Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables and the barley are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 7 –Transfer the saucepan away from the heat.
Step 8 –Stir the parsley into the soup.
Step 9 –Let the soup stand for 5 minutes.
Step 10 –Serve.