Home Made Vegetable Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable soup with tender meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef or 2 cups precooked turkey, chicken, beef, or pork chopped into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 slice smoked bacon (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans whole tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 5 cups chicken, beef, or turkey broth or water with bouillon ⓘ
- 1 can corn ⓘ
- 1 can green beans ⓘ
- 1 can peas ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 or 2 whole bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except macaroni in a large pot.
- Simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- If adding macaroni, stir it in now and cook for an additional 10 minutes until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, try adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with additional beans or lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh herbs can enhance the flavor significantly. This recipe allows for flexibility, much like American recipes that use seasonal produce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Brunswick Stew for a delightful family dinner. For added richness, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This soup is also great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. If the soup thickens upon cooling, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Home Made Vegetable Soup contains roughly 2360 calories, with 61g protein, 438g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (574% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (364% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 freeze this vegetable soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for the macaroni?
If you want to skip the elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, or add cooked grains or beans for added nutrition.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. This can elevate the flavor profile and add an exciting twist to your vegetable soup.
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).