Grandma'S Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining ground meat, vegetables, pasta, and savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat (hamburger or ground turkey) in an 8-quart kettle.
- Drain off any excess fat from the meat.
- Add beef or chicken broth, onion soup mix, and Italian tomato sauce to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the boiling soup.
- Reduce the heat and cook on low for 30 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni separately until al dente.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the soup and stir to combine.
- Serve hot; yields 8 to 10 servings. Can be frozen for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and turkey or adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead. You can also experiment with different types of frozen vegetables according to your preference, just like in Neva'S Chicken Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken-N-Dumplings With Angel Biscuits for a comforting dinner. For a bit of crunch, consider topping the soup with croutons or freshly grated cheese just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Soup contains roughly 246 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 46g 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 pasta instead of macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute macaroni with any small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and ensure it's cooked al dente before adding it to the soup to maintain the right texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sauté diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that complements the soup's flavors.
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground turkey instead of beef and opt for low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake. Additionally, increase the vegetable content by adding more mixed vegetables or incorporating greens like spinach for added nutrients and fiber.
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).