BURGER SOUP: FAMILIES & PENSIONERS: dairy-free, lower fat/cholesterol, high fibre, easy, good value

Pleasing, satisfying North American Classic, cousin of the Beef Stew...for families or pensioners: 

1. Family

updated nov 2022

A hearty bowlful of beefy deliciousness 

This is one for the  favourites' list -- especially since Waitrose & M&S contiue to sell 500gm 20% fat beef mince at around £4.25 - not a bargain but decent value. (10/25).  But if you want to use a higher grade beef or kosher beef, that's fine, too; nsame methods apply but obviously costs rise.

Two recipes are available,one for families and one for pensioners.

Don't be afraid of 20% fat beef; the fat released is usually good quality.  The flavour of the beef is excellent and in 67's past experience, a bargain.

67's method for cooking the mince removes as much fat as possible (making it more suitable for cholesterol-phobes).  

Like many American supper dishes, 'Burger' Soup is hearty, easy to make, and reheats well.  There is an element of 'kidult' food here - it's a soupy version of the hamburger - but everyone who's eaten it (including the Blogger) loves it. 

As for the chief cook and bottle washer, the soup is a godsend one-pan wonder: you only need some warm bread/buns to go with, find a bit of salad and throw-together a dessert for a great, satisfying meal.  

To continue the American theme, 67 defrosted some recently baked banana cupcakes and topped them with peanut butter frosting. But quick, easy and more-ish brownies would also work.  

If beef is not in your food plan, turkey or chicken mince is an even lower-fat/cholesterol alternative. 

The vegetables can be chopped and changed without affecting its deliciousness; the soup freezes well. 

The slow-cooker method is recommended for best flavour but a stove-top version is included. 

1.  FAMILY VERSION 

Cost:  min £6.00'ish (10/25)

Feeds:  6

Ingreds: 

500gm/17.5oz ground beef

olive oil 

 

1 onion or half a fennel, (tough outer leaves removed, inner leaves soaked in a mixture of 9:1 water & white vinegar 20 mins; in small dice

2 sticks celery, in chunks (bite-size for slow cookers; smaller for quick version)

2 carrots, in chunks (bite-size for slow cookers; smaller for quick version)

bell pepper, topped, tailed, de-seeded and de-membraned, in bite-size chunks

2 cloves garlic, grated (opt)

2-3 med potatoes, in bite-size chunks, or a combo of potatoes, parsnips, swede or other root veg (2'ish cups)

1 can tomatoes 

1.5c beef broth (granules will be fine)

1.5 tsp tomato paste

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp salt 

1/4tsp pepper

1/2 tsp oregano

1/8tsp cayenne    

          

       

After soup base is cooked:       

       1 can (any old) tomato soup (M&S 65p)

       1 cup frozen peas or frozen diced mixed veg (if you can find them)

       Garnish: 1tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried parsley flakes 

Method: