Barb's Favorite Soups

 

Cheeseburger Paradise Soup

Ingredients: 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 small carrot, grated; 1 small onion, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped green pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper; 3 cups water; 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms; 2 tablespoons butter; 5 cups milk, divided; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 package (16 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed;  Crumbled cooked bacon. 

Directions: In a soup kettle, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and mushrooms in butter over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add to soup. Stir in 4 cups milk; heat through. In a small bowl, combine flour and remaining milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with bacon. 

Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook 25 minutes. Makes 14 servings (about 3 1/2 quarts). 

Kansas City Steak Soup

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter/margarine; 1/4 cup flour; 2-14.5 oz cans beef broth; 1/2 of a 10 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup); 1/4 cup diced carrot; 1/4 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup diced celery; 3/4 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 lb. beefsteak, ground or cut into small, coarse chunks; 1 tablespoon cooking oil; 1/2 of an 8 oz. can tomatoes, cut up (1/2 cup).

Directions: In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in flour until smooth. Cook and stir mixture over medium heat for 1 minute. Add beef broth all at once. Cook and stir the mixture till bubbly. Add frozen vegetables, carrot, onion, celery, Kitchen Bouquet, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, quickly brown the beefsteak in cooking oil and drain off fat. Add meat and undrained tomatoes to the soup mixture. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or till tender. Makes 4 servings. Serve as a main dish with salad and sourdough bread! 

Hearty Hamburger Soup

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 4 cups water, 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup cut fresh or frozen green beans. 

Directions: In a large saucepan, brown beef; drain. Add the next 10 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Add beans. Cover and simmer 15 minutes longer or until the beans are tender. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).