Better Than Nothing Soup
A hearty, comforting soup with tender cabbage, ground turkey, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for a filling and easy meal suited for any family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a large pot and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped cabbage cut into small pieces to the pot.
- Add chopped large onion, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained red kidney beans.
- Pour in water to achieve desired soup thickness.
- Season with salt, pepper, and soy or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
- Add beef bouillon cubes to the soup.
- Simmer the soup uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding vegetables like carrots or celery. You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken based on preference. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of water you add.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Better Than Nothing Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad to balance the meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of American recipes like Sausage Slop Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the soup from thickening too much. Microwave in short intervals, stirring often, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Better Than Nothing Soup contains roughly 117 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2532mg per serving (110% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon cubes?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable bouillon cubes instead. Alternatively, homemade broth can also be used to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to adjust the salt accordingly, as bouillon cubes can be quite salty.
Can I add more protein to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add beans, lentils, or even shredded chicken for additional protein. If you're looking for a unique twist, try incorporating diced smoked sausage or leftover cooked meats for extra flavor and substance.
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).