Great And Easy Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef and chopped onions.
- Add all remaining ingredients: chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, kidney beans, Great Northern beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir well and heat until thoroughly warmed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with minced garlic or bell peppers. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale can boost the nutrition without altering the taste. This soup is versatile; feel free to include leftover vegetables or beans you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner. You can also top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great And Easy Soup contains roughly 853 calories, with 44g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), protein (89% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and substitute it with cooked lentils or additional beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of the chicken noodle soup for a flavorful base. You may also want to add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender to create a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and simmer until thickened. Adding more beans can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables! Just chop your favorites such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and sauté them with the onions before adding the other ingredients. Keep in mind that fresh vegetables may require additional cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender.
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).