Hearty Beef Chowder

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, comforting beef chowder packed with vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for filling meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. all-purpose ground beef mix, thawed
  • 4 c. tomato juice
  • 2 cans cream of celery soup
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 6 thin slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 c. water
  • 2 1/2 c. peeled chopped carrots
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/8 tsp. ground marjoram

Instructions

  1. Combine ground beef, tomato juice, water, and celery soup in a large pot. Stir with a whisk to blend.
  2. Stir in chopped carrots, sugar, garlic salt, pepper, and ground marjoram.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
  5. To serve, place a slice of Swiss cheese in the bottom of each bowl.
  6. Pour hot soup over the cheese and serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for a different taste. If you want to add more vegetables, diced potatoes or corn work well. To increase the spice level, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. For a heartier version, serve with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of cornbread or garlic bread. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can be a satisfying main course for family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Hearty Beef Chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chowder thickens, add a splash of water or additional tomato juice to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hearty Beef Chowder contains roughly 438 calories, with 12g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

438 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 97.5g 35% DV
Fiber 29.9g 100% DV
Sugar 42g 84% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 504.2mg 22% DV
Potassium 3006.3mg 64% DV
Cholesterol 4.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 137.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 265.6mg 20% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 meat in this chowder?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, shredded beef from leftover Beef Brisket And Barbecue Sauce can add a unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Is this chowder suitable for freezing?

Yes, Hearty Beef Chowder can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. The texture may slightly change, but the flavor will remain delicious.

What can I add to make this chowder more filling?

For a more filling chowder, try adding cooked pasta or barley. These ingredients will absorb the flavors and make the dish heartier. You could also include more vegetables, such as diced potatoes or green beans, for added nutrition and texture.

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).

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