Ground Meat Soup
A hearty ground meat soup packed with vegetables, beans, spinach, and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to both family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground meat, chopped celery, chopped carrots, chopped raw potatoes, chopped onion, eggs, grated cheese, and parsley together in a large pot.
- Slowly pour cold water down the side of the pan to cover the meat mixture without disturbing it.
- Heat the pot to a slow boil and start breaking up the meat mixture into small pieces with a large spoon.
- Add pizza sauce, canned beans (including juice), drained chopped spinach, and season to taste.
- Cook for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Add cooked pasta of your choice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning in your meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or chickpeas for a protein-rich alternative. Using canned beans adds convenience, but you could also cook dried beans ahead of time for a fresher taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping. Consider pairing it with Jalapeno Hot Corn Bread for a flavorful twist. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables. Top with extra grated cheese and fresh parsley for added presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Meat Soup contains roughly 1945 calories, with 58g protein, 321g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and iron (155% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2247mg per serving (98% 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 types of beans in this soup?
Absolutely! While Great Northern or kidney beans work well, feel free to experiment with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. Just remember to adjust the seasonings slightly, as different beans have unique flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture or pizza sauce. You could also sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes while cooking for a spicier kick that complements the other flavors.
Is it possible to freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
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).