My Boy Scout Camp Soup
A hearty, comforting camp-style soup featuring ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and tomatoes, perfect for outdoor cooking or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in the pot; add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Dump in the rest of the ingredients plus 1 quart of water.
- Simmer until the vegetables are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding beans or lentils for protein. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you prefer, swap the mixed vegetables for fresh seasonal produce. To enhance flavor, include herbs like thyme or bay leaves during simmering. If you're short on time, frozen diced potatoes can be used as a quick substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easiest Green Beans for a refreshing contrast. For a cozy dinner, top with shredded cheese or serve alongside a simple sandwich. This dish is perfect for gatherings, offering warmth and comfort that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Boy Scout Camp Soup contains roughly 1048 calories, with 26g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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 other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While hamburger is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even diced ham for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked, and consider how the flavors of the meat might complement the vegetables.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, replace the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or simply omit the meat altogether. You can enhance the flavor with additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, and add vegetable broth instead of water for a deeper taste.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. You can also adjust the seasoning as needed after adding 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).