Chunky Soup
A hearty, vegetable-packed beef soup with rich flavors, perfect for family dinners or cold days, featuring tender beef, savory broth, and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 2 1/2 quarts of water, beef base, beef broth, butter, tomato juice, sugar, and 1/4 cup salt until boiling.
- Cut vegetables into small cubes.
- Cook vegetables separately in salted water, then add to the soup mixture.
- Mix less than 2 quarts of flour with enough water to make a smooth paste for thickening the soup.
- Season hamburger with salt and pepper if not already seasoned.
- Add chopped onions; fry in flour and butter mixture.
- Combine cooked hamburger and drippings with the soup.
- Optional: add some beef chunks instead of all hamburger.
- Cold pack the soup for 2 hours.
- Pressure cook the soup for 40 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering. You can substitute the beef base with vegetable base for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour paste or reduce the liquid by simmering longer. Using Mama Tora'S Hamburger-Meat Loaf Mix can enhance the meat flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chunky soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Johnny Marzetti Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Soup contains roughly 1245 calories, with 18g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (289% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1155mg per serving (50% 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 different vegetables in this chunky soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. The flexibility of this recipe allows for many variations based on seasonal produce or personal preference.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef base and broth with vegetable broth and omit the hamburger. You can enhance the flavor with additional spices or a splash of soy sauce, and consider adding lentils or chickpeas for protein. This keeps the soup hearty and satisfying without the meat.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, try adding diced potatoes, which can absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, adding more water or broth will dilute the salt content. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also help balance the flavors and reduce the perception of saltiness.
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).