Grandpa'S Soup
Grandpa's Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and pasta, perfect for family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, brown the ground chuck.
- Add chili powder and tomato juice to the meat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the mixture is simmering, cook diced potatoes and onions until tender.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- Add the cooked macaroni and mixed vegetables to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the combined soup for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground chuck for a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice. To enhance texture, try adding some corn or diced bell peppers along with the mixed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandpa's Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Liz'S Cucumber Pickles for a refreshing contrast. This hearty soup is perfect for gatherings, and it can be topped with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandpa'S Soup contains roughly 1214 calories, with 61g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (123% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% 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 vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables to your liking. Fresh vegetables like zucchini or green beans can be great additions, or you can use frozen vegetables if that's what you have on hand. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving for the best taste. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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).