Jerry'S Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup with mixed beans, split peas, and barley, enhanced with beef broth and tomato soup, perfect for a comforting, protein-rich meal suited for all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash all the beans and soak them overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to a pot with 6 cups of water.
- Simmer the beans until they are tender.
- Add one can of tomato soup to the pot.
- Incorporate 1 pound of cooked ground beef into the soup.
- Continue simmering for a few more minutes.
- Add salt only in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent toughening the beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of powdered beef broth for added depth. Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking; alternatively, use canned beans for a quick prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jerry's Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top can enhance the flavors. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with American recipes, such as Stuffed Meat Loaf Squares And Parmesan Potatoes, for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerry'S Bean Soup contains roughly 201 calories, with 12g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time. Dried beans take longer to become tender, so ensure they're fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
What if I don't have barley?
If you don't have barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or even rice. Both will add a nice texture and absorb the flavors of the soup while cooking.
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).