Judy'S Homemade Soup
Hearty homemade soup packed with vegetables, beefy mushroom flavor, and comforting textures, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Customizable with various add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb lean hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 large can Veg-All or 1 bag frozen soup veggies ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can French onion soup ⓘ
- 1 pkg beefy mushroom dry soup mix ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups potatoes or 1 cup uncooked rice or pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Put olive oil in the bottom of a soup pot.
- Add hamburger, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Brown the meat and vegetables together.
- Add all seasonings, including the dry soup mix.
- Add all vegetables and 2 cups of water to the pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, French onion soup, and remaining water with a wire whisk until well blended.
- Add the soup mixture to the soup pot.
- Stir thoroughly. You may add any other vegetables, raw, canned, frozen, or leftover, at this time.
- If using potatoes, add them now.
- If using rice or pasta, simmer the soup for 30 minutes, then add the rice or pasta.
- Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Adjust the water to achieve the desired soup consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger meat. If you want a vegetarian option, use canned beans or lentils instead. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the soup's taste. Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to customize the dish. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if you use low-sodium soups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Peanut, Bacon, Corn Muffins for a comforting touch. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or grated cheese to elevate the presentation. This dish also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Homemade Soup contains roughly 1438 calories, with 13g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1678mg per serving (73% 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 meat in this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute lean turkey or chicken for the hamburger meat. For a richer flavor, try using sausage or a mix of meats. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the type of meat you choose.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, to make this soup gluten-free, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup and French onion soup are gluten-free brands. You can also use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of regular pasta. Always check labels to confirm that all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
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).