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–+ servings
Plaza III Steak Soup
Plaza 3 Steak Soup hails from Kansas City’s iconic Plaza III steakhouse, known for its rich, hearty dishes. This soup became a favorite for its comforting, stew-like quality, an ideal fusion of meat and vegetables in a deeply flavorful broth. Originally served as a starter, its robust ingredients made it satisfying enough to stand as a meal. Midwestern cuisine is famous for its homey, crowd-pleasing fare, and this soup is no exception. With roots in American heartland traditions, it’s a warm, filling dish often passed down through handwritten recipe cards and shared at family gatherings and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick oleo (or margarine)
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ gallon water
  • 4 cups ground beef
  • 1 cup onions (chopped, parboiled)
  • 1 cup carrots (chopped, parboiled)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped, parboiled)
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp MSG seasoning (MSG seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp beef stock base
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

  • Melt 1 stick oleo in a large pot.
  • Whisk in ½ cup flour until a smooth paste forms.

Step 2: Add Liquid

  • Gradually stir in ½ gallon water, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

  • In a separate pan, brown 4 cups ground beef.
  • Drain off excess grease.

Step 4: Combine Vegetables

  • Add beef to the soup base.
  • Stir in 1 cup each of parboiled onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

  • Add 1 can of tomatoes, 1 tbsp Accent, 2 tbsp beef stock base, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.
  • Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Tips

  • Use olive oil or butter instead of oleo (margarine) for richer flavor.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter soup.
  • Add barley or small pasta for more texture.
  • Use fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaf) for added aroma.
  • The soup freezes well—cool before storing in freezer-safe containers.
  • Avoid adding salt since the stock base and Accent seasoning already provide sodium.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword baked vegetables, classic comfort food, comfort food, freezer-friendly meals, ground beef, hearty soup, homemade soup, plaza III, vintage recipe
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