Meal-In-One Soup
A hearty, comforting soup packed with tender meat, vegetables, and barley, perfect for a filling family meal. Flavored with tomato and seasoned to taste, this one-pot dish is ideal for chilly evenings and can be customized with pasta noodles for added heartiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chuck roast or stew meat into small pieces.
- Add the meat, large onion, chopped celery, salt, pepper, and a little water to a pot.
- Cook until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Remove the cooked meat from the liquid and let it cool.
- Remove any bones from the meat.
- Add the vegetables, barley, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the liquid.
- Return the meat to the pot and simmer until the vegetables and barley are tender, adding water as needed.
- While simmering, cook and drain the macaroni noodles.
- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the soup and cook for a few more minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat before adding the vegetables. You can substitute barley with quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you have leftover cooked vegetables, feel free to toss them in instead of using mixed vegetables. To enhance the dish further, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can amplify the umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meal-In-One Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. For a refreshing drink, pair it with an Apple Honey Refresher to balance the hearty flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to leave out the macaroni if you plan to freeze it, as it can become mushy when reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meal-In-One Soup contains roughly 284 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld together.
What type of mixed vegetables should I use?
You can use any frozen mixed vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, and corn. Alternatively, fresh vegetables that are in season work great too, just chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with hearty vegetables and add beans or lentils for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure that any added sauces, like the tomato paste, are vegetarian-friendly.
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).