Gina'S Quick Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup featuring ground meat, vegetables, and macaroni, perfect for a quick, comforting meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet and drain excess fat; add chopped onion, garlic salt, and seasoning salts.
- In a large pot, combine tomato sauce (with equal water), canned vegetables, and cooked meat mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni to the boiling soup.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Serve hot, optionally with Jiffy cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and bell peppers to the meat mixture. You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option instead of beef. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas. Adding herbs like thyme or basil enhances the soup's flavor. Remember, the type of canned vegetables can be swapped based on your preference, such as using Homemade V-8 Juice for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, optionally accompanied by Jiffy cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For a more filling option, consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale. This soup is also versatile enough to serve as a starter for a family dinner or a cozy lunch on a chilly day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but avoid adding the macaroni before freezing, as it can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gina'S Quick Vegetable Soup contains roughly 368 calories, with 16g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. At about 368 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables! Just chop them up and add them to the soup during the cooking process. Keep in mind that fresh vegetables may require a longer cooking time to become tender, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it cooks. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for a flavorful, spicy version.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week. Just remember to undercook the macaroni slightly if you plan to reheat it later, as it will continue to soften when reheated.
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).