Recovery Soup
A hearty recovery soup packed with vegetables, lean ground beef, and flavorful herbs, perfect for revitalizing after illness or a cold day. Comforting and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 large green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 3/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 large can (46 oz.) tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely cut cabbage ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (20 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian spices ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef in an 8-quart pot until browned.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Drain off excess fat from the mixture.
- Add all remaining ingredients in the order listed: green pepper, celery, parsley, soy sauce, pepper, tomato juice, water, diced potato, cabbage, kidney beans, frozen mixed vegetables, and Italian spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve hot, ideally with corn muffins.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute the kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile. Adding a splash of hot sauce can enhance the soup's flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. This soup is a great way to use leftover veggies from dishes like New England Skillet Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Recovery Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired. It pairs beautifully with corn muffins, which complement the soup's flavors. A side salad can also enhance the meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Mary'S Easy Shepherd'S Pie for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Recovery Soup contains roughly 543 calories, with 38g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (206% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1593mg per serving (69% 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! You can use fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers instead of frozen mixed vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh veggies may require a little longer to cook until tender. This will also allow you to incorporate seasonal produce into your Recovery Soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Just prepare the soup as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove. This makes it a great option for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.
Can I add more spices for extra flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. You could also incorporate herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor. Just remember to taste as you go, so you can adjust to your preference without overwhelming the soup.
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).