This Betty Crocker Soup is a rustic, nourishing dish rooted in traditional European home cooking, particularly popular in colder climates where hearty meals were essential. This version highlights simple pantry staples, beef, root vegetables, and tomatoes, combined into a deeply comforting soup. The method reflects mid-century cooking techniques, focusing on building flavor through browning meat and slow simmering. The addition of bouquet garni and bay leaf gives it a subtle herbal depth, while the vegetables create a satisfying texture. It’s a practical, filling soup that showcases how modest ingredients can produce rich, warming results perfect for family meals or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp heavy cream
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- bouquet garni (small bundle of herbs)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup carrots (chopped )
- 1 cup celery (diced )
- 1 cup potatoes (peeled and diced )
- 6 fresh tomatoes (or one 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Brown the beef in a pot over medium heat.
- Drain off excess fat.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onion to the pot.
- Cook with the meat until tender (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Add Base Ingredients
- Stir in salt, pepper, heavy cream, bay leaf, bouquet garni, and water.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes
- Add tomatoes (fresh or canned).
- Simmer an additional 10 minutes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Continue cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bouquet garni and bay leaf.
- Serve hot.
Tips
- Use barley for a more traditional Scotch broth texture
- Substitute lamb for a richer, classic flavor
- Add cabbage or turnips for extra vegetables
- Use beef broth instead of water for deeper flavor
- Make it in a slow cooker for convenience
- Skim fat during cooking for a lighter soup
- Add garlic for extra depth
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4500IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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