Microwave Autumn Soup
A hearty and comforting autumn-inspired soup featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Its rich flavors and warm, savory profile make it perfect for chilly days, providing a satisfying meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery in a 5-quart casserole.
- Microwave on High (100%) until ground beef loses its pink color, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring after half the cooking time.
- Add hot water, potato cubes, sliced carrots, salt, dried basil leaves, pepper, bay leaf, and tomatoes to the casserole.
- Cover and microwave on high until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Stir the soup and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, precooked frozen vegetables can be used instead of fresh. For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with lentils, as seen in Lentil Soup Ii, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Cornbread Pie, which complements the soup’s hearty flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Autumn Soup contains roughly 571 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2075mg per serving (90% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare it, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add them according to their required cooking time to ensure everything is 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).