Country Soup Supper
A hearty country soup featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, rice or barley, and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family meals and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless chuck or stew meat ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 head cabbage, cut in 1-inch wedges ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. pearl rice or barley ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Place meat, water, salt, and pepper in a large kettle.
- Slowly bring to a boil and skim the top.
- Add garlic and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender. Remove bay leaf.
- Add all fresh vegetables, barley, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer, covered, about 30 minutes.
- Add beans and continue simmering, covered, for another 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding potatoes or swapping pearl rice for barley based on your preference. If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-cut vegetables. Ensure to soak the barley for a few hours for a quicker cooking time if using.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Terrific 3 Bean Salad for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish further. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like Orange Cinnamon French Toast for a satisfying end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Soup Supper contains roughly 1442 calories, with 69g protein, 288g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (369% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2445mg per serving (106% 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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for the fresh ones. Just add them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. This is a great time-saver and can still yield a delicious soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the meat beforehand, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy evening meal.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add more beans or lentils for protein and include a variety of vegetables. This will still give you a hearty and satisfying soup.
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).