Susan'S Carrot Chowder
A hearty, flavorful carrot chowder with tender ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, ground chuck, or ground turkey; drain excess fat. Cover and simmer the meat with salt, chopped celery, green onion, onion, and diced potato on low until tender.
- In a large saucepan, combine tomato juice, cream of celery soup, water, grated carrots, garlic, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer together for 30 minutes.
- Pour the hot chowder into bowls and serve over grated cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chowder, consider adding grated carrots or even diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey is a great substitute for hamburger. Additionally, you can use low-sodium tomato juice and cream of celery soup to reduce sodium levels without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Susan's Carrot Chowder with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a light garden salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susan'S Carrot Chowder contains roughly 1046 calories, with 34g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and protein (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2775mg per serving (121% 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 this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the cream of celery soup with a plant-based version or make your own from scratch, and include more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for added texture.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stirring it into the chowder and simmering until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the diced potato to create a creamier consistency.
What can I serve with the chowder?
Besides grated cheese, consider serving the chowder with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It also goes well with side dishes such as cornbread, a crisp green salad, or even some homemade biscuits for a comforting meal.
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).