Delma'S Soup
A hearty, savory soup packed with tender chicken, beef, and a medley of vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless ⓘ
- 2 lb. stew beef, boneless ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, lean and thick, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen yellow corn ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen butter beans ⓘ
- 6 fresh carrots ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can creamed corn ⓘ
- 8-10 bouillon cubes (beef or chicken) ⓘ
- 1 (48 oz.) can V-8 juice
Instructions
- Rinse chicken breasts and remove any remaining fat.
- Place chicken in the refrigerator and soak in salted water overnight.
- Drain chicken, rinse, and put in a large pot with water to cover.
- While the chicken is cooking, cut the stew beef into small pieces.
- When the chicken is done, remove it from the pot.
- Rinse the beef and add it to the cooking liquid along with the bacon pieces.
- While this is cooking, cut up the cooked chicken and add it to the pot.
- Add bouillon cubes to the pot.
- Add diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables.
- While cooking, chop remaining raw vegetables and add them along with V-8 juice and creamed corn.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add sugar last, and season with pepper if desired.
- If needed, thin the soup with water before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of water for cooking the chicken and beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with additional vegetables and use vegetable bouillon cubes. You can also add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Delma's Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with a cheesy casserole like Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole. This soup also makes a fantastic base for a rice or quinoa addition if you're looking to make it more filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers and consume within 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the soup's consistency, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delma'S Soup contains roughly 901 calories, with 37g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (249% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (125% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% 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 types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute stew beef with pork or turkey for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure all meats are fully cooked and tender.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the vegetables. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle in adobo sauce.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the meats, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).