Southern Vegetable Soup
Hearty Southern Vegetable Soup combines fresh tomatoes, vegetables, pasta, and ground beef for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large cooking kettle.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 hour, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding chopped bell peppers or celery. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use fresh vegetables if available, but frozen options save time. Adjust the sugar according to the acidity of the tomatoes, and feel free to experiment with spices like paprika for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Vegetable Soup is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. For added richness, a sprinkle of grated cheese enhances the flavor. It pairs beautifully with Yellow Squash And Corn Casserole for a comforting meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover the bowl to prevent splattering. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Vegetable Soup contains roughly 3488 calories, with 61g protein, 498g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (396% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), and protein (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1409mg per serving (61% 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 tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 12-15 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before adding to the soup for a fresh taste. This will enhance the overall flavor of your Southern Vegetable Soup.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
You can easily replace ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Each alternative will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you'd like a thicker soup, consider blending a portion of the soup and then mixing it back in. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) during the last few minutes of cooking, stirring well to combine.
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).