Family Soup
A hearty, comforting soup featuring tender beef, vegetables, and barley, perfect for family dinners and cold days, with rich broth and wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover beef and bones with water in a large pot and let stand for 1 hour.
- Add chopped onion and celery to the pot.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Remove beef and bones.
- Discard bones.
- Strain broth into a bowl and chill to congeal fat.
- Lift off and discard the fat.
- Return broth to the pot.
- Cut beef into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot.
- Add barley and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add chopped turnips and carrots, then simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the roast beef and bones before adding water. You can substitute barley with rice or quinoa if desired. For a heartier texture, add some diced potatoes or beans. Feel free to incorporate other leftover vegetables you have on hand to reduce waste. This Family Soup is flexible and can adapt to what you have available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Family Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a Quick And Easy Reuben Sandwich for a satisfying lunch combination. Enjoy with family for a comforting gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Soup contains roughly 1823 calories, with 54g protein, 389g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), and protein (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 56g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of meat instead of roast beef?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken, turkey, or even a mix of meats. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat used, as chicken may require less simmering than beef.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and bones, and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers and increase the barley or other grains for heartiness.
What can I do with leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be repurposed into a stew by adding more vegetables and thickening with a roux. Alternatively, you can blend it into a smooth puree for a different texture. Just ensure to adjust seasoning as needed.
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).