Beef Medley Soup
A hearty and flavorful beef medley soup featuring tender ground meat, vegetables, and pearl barley, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large pot and drain well.
- Add onions, pearl barley, tomatoes, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot, along with 1.5 quarts of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer for an additional hour.
- Serve hot, yielding approximately 3 quarts or 6 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, try browning the onions before adding them to the pot. If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute with rice or quinoa, adjusting the cooking time as necessary. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some herbs like thyme or bay leaf, which pair beautifully with beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef Medley Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Sloppy Joe Wagon Wheels, which adds a fun twist to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Medley Soup contains roughly 1019 calories, with 51g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), and protein (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1329mg per serving (58% 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 for this soup?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even diced beef for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure everything is thoroughly cooked. Each variation will bring its unique taste to the dish.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and add more vegetables such as mushrooms for added texture. This will create a hearty and satisfying vegetarian version of the soup.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as adding more liquid may dilute the flavors. A splash of tomato juice can also enhance the flavor while thinning the soup.
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).