Christmas Eve Soup
A hearty, flavorful Christmas Eve soup with tender vegetables, savory beef, and aromatic herbs, perfect for warming up festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 3 c. beef stock ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 c. carrots, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 c. cooking sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and ground beef until the beef is browned.
- Add minced garlic, diced potatoes, diced celery, carrots, tomatoes, beef stock, green beans, chopped parsley, cooking sherry, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least one hour.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground chuck and ground pork. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones; use one tablespoon of fresh basil and thyme instead of the dried versions. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup also works well with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully. This dish pairs wonderfully with festive sides from American recipes, making it perfect for your Christmas Eve gathering. Consider a light dessert, like a fruit tart, to finish the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef stock or water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Eve Soup contains roughly 940 calories, with 64g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (154% of the Daily Value), protein (129% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're looking for something different, try using diced beef or even sausage for added flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different meats may require adjustments.
How long can I simmer the soup for maximum flavor?
For the best results, aim to simmer the soup for at least one hour. However, if time allows, letting it simmer for two hours can deepen the flavors even more. Just make sure to stir occasionally and check the liquid levels to prevent it from thickening too much.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables! Options like bell peppers, corn, or spinach can be great additions. Just add them along with the other ingredients, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.
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).