Carlton'S Favorite Soup
Carlton's Favorite Soup is a hearty, savory dish featuring ground meat, tomatoes, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground sirloin or chuck ⓘ
- 48 oz. can tomato juice
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz. can minced clams, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. basil
- 2 tsp. leaf oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced dry onion flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 7.5 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 can green wax beans with juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef and drain on paper towels; press out any excess grease.
- Place the cooked beef in a very large soup pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients in the order given, ending with cabbage.
- Simmer the soup until done, about 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with chopped onions before adding it to the pot. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried, adjusting the amounts since fresh herbs are more potent. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Green Onion-Potato Soup for a light supper. You can also top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream to enhance flavor. A side of garlic bread would also complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carlton'S Favorite Soup contains roughly 429 calories, with 26g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (143% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), and iron (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1169mg per serving (51% 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, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply prepare the soup, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also incorporate beans for added protein and fiber. Additionally, using low-sodium chicken bouillon can help reduce sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned tomatoes. You'll need about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Just remember to peel and seed them for a smoother texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to break down.
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).