Microwave Vegetable Soup
A hearty and colorful microwave vegetable soup packed with fresh carrots, cabbage, celery, mixed vegetables, and tomatoes. Flavored with beef broth, tomato soup, and herbs, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome, vegetable-rich meal anytime. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 small carrots, chopped finely ⓘ
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded fine ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped finely ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) box frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1/3 (10 oz.) box frozen corn ⓘ
- 1 (14 to 16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 can water ⓘ
- 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except salt into a 4-quart microwave pot with a cover.
- Cover and cook on High for 20 minutes, stirring at 10 minutes.
- Reduce to 50% power and cook for an additional 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Taste and add salt as desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onions and garlic before adding them to the soup. You can also substitute fresh vegetables if you have them on hand; for instance, green beans or bell peppers work well. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the bouillon cubes. This soup is versatile and can be adapted based on seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this microwave vegetable soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a comforting lunch or dinner option. For an extra kick, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the soup from becoming too thick, and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Vegetable Soup contains roughly 561 calories, with 18g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (255% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (254% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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 and texture of your soup. Just ensure to chop them into small, even pieces to allow for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh vegetables might require a bit more time to become tender.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To spice up your vegetable soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. You can also include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for heat.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just portion it out into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).