Super Beef Soup
A hearty and flavorful beef soup with vegetables, barley, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean hamburger, chopped onion, and margarine in a large pot; drain excess fat.
- Add sliced carrots, stewed tomatoes, chopped celery, catsup, barley, beef bouillon cubes, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or add more barley. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Super Beef Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely to balance the richness of the soup. For a comforting twist, try serving it with a slice of cornbread or alongside American recipes like Touchdown Chili for a game day feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Beef Soup contains roughly 1000 calories, with 32g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (134% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1335mg per serving (58% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to peel and chop them first. About 6-8 medium tomatoes should replace the large can of stewed tomatoes. The soup may have a different texture, but it will still be delicious!
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the hamburger. Alternatively, you can serve each bowl with a dash of hot sauce on top for individual heat preferences.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the hamburger and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).