Lazy Way Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold days, with rich tomato and gumbo flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in the microwave and set aside.
- In a large 8-quart pot, add the browned ground beef, sliced onions, tomato juice, V-8 juice, frozen vegetables for old-fashioned soup, frozen vegetables for New Orleans gumbo, sliced cabbage, garlic sections, and bay leaves.
- Add about a cup of water if there is space in the pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about two hours.
- After about an hour of simmering, add the seasoning packets from the frozen vegetables and adjust water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground chuck in a skillet instead of the microwave. You can substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option or use canned diced tomatoes if you don't have tomato juice. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can speed up prep. Adding a spoonful of hot sauce can give the soup an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lazy Way Soup with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a hearty meal. A side salad featuring pickled red beets and eggs can complement the flavors nicely. This soup is also great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time, making it an ideal choice for lunches throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Way Soup contains roughly 184 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1441mg per serving (63% 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 instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor of the soup. Chop and add them at the same stage as the frozen vegetables, but note that cooking times may vary. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers make great additions.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if you've added more liquid.
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).