Linda'S Quick Vegetable Soup
A hearty, savory soup blending beef, tomato, and mixed veggies with a touch of Worcestershire and ketchup—perfect for quick family dinners or a comforting side with cornbread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a pot.
- Drain excess fat and rinse the beef with hot water.
- Add the chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using frozen mixed vegetables instead of canned. You can replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use lentils for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the Worcestershire sauce based on your taste preferences, and adding herbs like thyme or basil can enhance flavor. This soup is versatile, so feel free to throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, ideally accompanied by cornbread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top can add a nice touch. This soup is also great with a side salad for a lighter option. Consider pairing with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Quick Vegetable Soup contains roughly 640 calories, with 37g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. If you plan to freeze it, do so after it has cooled completely to maintain the best texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it entirely. Increase the amount of mixed vegetables and add beans or lentils for protein. Adjust seasonings to ensure a flavorful outcome.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To boost the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot. Adjust according to your heat tolerance for a customized kick.
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).