Lazy Day Vegetable Soup
A hearty, comforting vegetable and beef soup with rich tomato flavor, perfect for cold days. Easy to make, adaptable, and satisfying for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger, cooked and well drained ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 can corn, partially drained ⓘ
- 1 can garden peas, partially drained ⓘ
- 1 can baby lima beans, partially drained ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 to 3 Tbsp hot sauce ⓘ
- 2 large potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, chopped ⓘ
- pepper (optional) ⓘ
- water to fill pot ⓘ
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, including cooked hamburger, canned vegetables, potatoes, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and water, into a large pot.
- Since canned vegetables are used, adding salt is unnecessary; for lower sodium, use no salt canned vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for several minutes.
- Lower the heat and simmer the soup for several hours to develop flavors.
- Serve hot; this is a very hearty winter soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with lentils or chickpeas. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. Adjust the hot sauce amount to your spice preference. Remember that this Lazy Day Vegetable Soup is very versatile, so feel free to throw in any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. For a full dinner experience, consider serving alongside dishes like Kielbasa Supper or Cabbage Bundles for a comforting winter feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Vegetable Soup contains roughly 1101 calories, with 28g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (370% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (201% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 104g 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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
For a healthier or vegetarian option, you can replace the hamburger with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even diced tofu. If you prefer meat, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives that will still provide a hearty texture.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very forgiving, and you can add any vegetables you enjoy. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are excellent choices. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure all vegetables are tender.
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).