"Amy'S" Beef Soup
A hearty, savory beef soup loaded with vegetables and barley, perfect for warming up and satisfying the whole family with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef lightly in a pot and drain excess fat.
- Add diced carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and cubed turnips to the meat.
- Pour in water, add beef gravy mix, salt, and barley.
- Bring to a boil, then pressure cook for 15 minutes or simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with some minced garlic or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted for the fresh veggies. Adjust the salt to your preference, especially if using a salty beef gravy mix. For a heartier texture, you might also experiment with adding other grains like quinoa or farro, in addition to the barley.
Serving Suggestions
This beef soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a side of cheese and dried beef casserole for a comforting family dinner. Garnish each bowl with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Don't forget to offer some hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, beef soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave space in the container as it will expand.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Amy'S" Beef Soup contains roughly 2509 calories, with 66g protein, 491g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (463% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can also use beef stew meat cut into small pieces for a chunkier texture. For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the meat you choose.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Stir well to incorporate and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. This will help meld the flavors together and create a more balanced soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the beef gravy mix. You can also add more vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor while maintaining a hearty texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).