Lazy Day Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining ground meat, beans, corn, and tomatoes, perfect for cozy days and satisfying a family or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
- Add the cooked meat to the remaining ingredients in a crock-pot.
- Cook on low for 2 hours or more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use different beans based on your preference, like black beans or pinto beans. To enhance the flavor, add some Italian seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to get creative with ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lazy Day Soup with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with Eula'S Bread And Butter Pickles for a tangy contrast. For a cozy touch, top each bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lazy Day Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Soup contains roughly 1054 calories, with 75g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (612% of the Daily Value), protein (150% of the Daily Value), and iron (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1086mg per serving (47% 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 fresh vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before mixing them into the soup, or add them to the crock-pot to cook with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. You could also use spicy sausage instead of ground meat, or add a can of diced green chilies. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste, and feel free to experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Lazy Day Soup is perfect for meal prep! Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions. It reheats well and maintains its flavor, making it an excellent grab-and-go lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to store it properly, as outlined in the storage section, to keep it fresh and delicious.
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).