Captain Soup
A hearty, comforting soup with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and savory cream soups, perfect for family dinners and cold days that require warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion, then drain excess fat.
- Add cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and V-8 juice to the beef mixture and bring to a boil.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2 hours or longer.
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the mixed vegetables before adding them in. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover veggies from other meals, so feel free to get creative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Captain Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Baked Pizza Sandwich for an extra comforting touch. For a heartier experience, consider topping each bowl with shredded cheese or sour cream before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Captain Soup contains roughly 154 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, Captain Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently before serving, and consider adding a bit of broth if it thickens too much.
What can I use instead of V-8 juice?
If you don't have V-8 juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of tomato juice and vegetable broth. This will maintain the soup's consistency and flavor profile. Alternatively, homemade vegetable juice can also work well as a substitute.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, Captain Soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
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).