Red Riding Hood Soup
Red Riding Hood Soup is a hearty, savory dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and barley, perfect for comforting family meals or cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and brown gravy mix to the beef.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Add water, dry onion soup mix, beef bouillon cubes, sugar, frozen mixed vegetables, and pearl barley.
- Simmer the soup for 45 minutes until all ingredients are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or substituting quinoa for the pearl barley. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef bouillon cubes. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. This soup is reminiscent of Easy Hamburger Soup, making it a versatile recipe to customize based on your pantry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Red Riding Hood Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Vegetable Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner. For an extra kick, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving, enhancing the flavors and adding creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Riding Hood Soup contains roughly 512 calories, with 21g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef to lighten the dish. Just be aware that turkey may have a drier texture, so consider adding a bit more liquid or vegetables to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a kick.
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).