Gay'S Vegetable Soup With Meat
A hearty vegetable soup with ground meat, rich tomato flavors, and a variety of fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground meat and chopped onion together in a pot until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat and onion mixture.
- Add sliced carrots, chopped potatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add additional vegetables of your choice and cook until done.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground turkey and beef. You can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, or add in some greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your preference; herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the soup's flavor profile. If you'd like a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes into the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added brightness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty lunch option, consider serving it alongside Hot Corned Beef Bunwiches or Quick 'Pigs In The Blanket' for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gay'S Vegetable Soup With Meat contains roughly 1351 calories, with 49g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and potassium (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While ground turkey or beef are traditional, you can easily substitute with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat used.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the meat and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding more spices or even a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
What vegetables work well in this soup?
You can customize this soup with any vegetables you enjoy. Popular choices include green beans, peas, corn, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times; add quicker-cooking veggies towards the end to maintain their texture.
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).