Pam'S Mega Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable and beef soup featuring okra, tomatoes, and mixed veggies, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups okra, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 1 can diced Ro-Tel ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 quarts water ⓘ
- 4 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1.5 to 2 pounds ground beef
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute okra, chopped tomato, chopped onion, and chopped celery in bacon drippings until the onion is clear.
- Add diced Ro-Tel, Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef bouillon cubes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and peeled, diced potatoes to the soup.
- In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef.
- Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper, then add garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Add the browned meat to the soup and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Continue simmering the soup for 40 minutes to 1 hour to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating a splash of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use fresh vegetables from your garden or local market instead of frozen mixed vegetables for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pam's Mega Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Sausage-Velveeta Casserole for a comforting dinner. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in a bowl, covering it with a microwave-safe lid, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Mega Soup contains roughly 588 calories, with 21g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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 Pam's Mega Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender and the flavors meld together.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you prefer a lighter flavor or need a substitute, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water and bouillon cubes. This will still give the soup a delicious base while keeping it adaptable to your dietary needs.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the diced potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
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).