My Favorite Soup
A hearty, comforting soup featuring ground beef, vegetables, and barley, perfect for warming up on chilly days and suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground round until no pink remains.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add salt, pepper, diced celery, diced carrots, and barley.
- Cook for 1 hour until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while cooking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you prefer whole grains, use farro instead of barley. For added nutrition, toss in some chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. This soup can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad, like Crisp Winter Slaw, for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a nice touch. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, pairing well with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Soup contains roughly 353 calories, with 35g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1968mg per serving (86% 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 tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground round and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I add to make it spicier?
If you like a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
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).