Great For All Ages Soup
A hearty, family-friendly soup with ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and savory broth, perfect for all ages and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef. Break into small pieces and drain excess fat.
- Add chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, frozen vegetables, dry onion soup mix, and water to the beef. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in small pasta, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or beans for extra texture and nutrition. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don’t have small pasta on hand, any shape of pasta will work; just adjust the cooking time. To enhance flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley. This versatile soup can also be a base for variations like Chicken Noodle Soup (Low-Fat Recipe).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. It’s great for all ages and can be paired with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination. For a twist, consider serving it alongside a light Macaroni And Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great For All Ages Soup contains roughly 471 calories, with 18g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot after browning the beef. Keep in mind that fresh vegetables may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender and cooked through.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add additional chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors. Remember, this soup can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors improve over time. Prepare a large batch, portion it into containers, and refrigerate or freeze for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy whenever you need a quick meal.
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).