Hearty Hodgepodge Soup – A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Discover the perfect homemade Hodgepodge soup recipe that’s quick, hearty, and full of fresh ingredients. A must-try meat cooking recipe from www.dailymeatrecipe.com for cozy meals.

Introduction

If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Hodgepodge soup recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of soup that brings back memories of family kitchens, where everything from the fridge came together in one delicious pot. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a comforting homemade meal, Hodgepodge soup offers rich taste, tender meat, and seasonal vegetables all in one bowl. This is a meat recipe that makes cooking simple and stress-free, without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this classic Hodgepodge soup. The mix of meat and vegetables makes it a filling and flavorful meal.

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef or stew meat
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced (optional)

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can corn (or 1 cup frozen)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – serves 6)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg

This meat recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

Preparation Instructions

1. Brown the Meat:
   In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, brown the beef or stew meat until no longer pink. Add a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more to enhance the flavor of your Hodgepodge soup.
3. Build the Soup Base:
   Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
   Add potatoes, green beans, corn, and cabbage. Sprinkle in the thyme and oregano. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer and Blend Flavors:
   Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Finish the Dish:
   Return the cooked bacon and add diced ham (if using). Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve Hot:
   Ladle your hearty Hodgepodge soup into bowls and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• Pair it with crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast.
• Top with shredded cheese for a richer meal.
• Serve with a side salad to complete the dish.
• Pour it into a thermos for a warm lunch at work or school.

Whether it’s dinner for the family or a cozy solo meal, Hodgepodge soup delivers on both flavor and comfort.

Pro Tips

• Use Leftovers: This soup is perfect for using leftover meat or vegetables. Simply toss them in during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
• Make It Ahead: The flavor deepens if it sits overnight. Cook it a day ahead and reheat for an even richer taste.
• Meat Variety: Swap beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
• Easy Freezing: Freeze portions for future meals. It keeps well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Cook Low and Slow: If you have time, let the soup simmer longer. This helps break down the meat and deepen the flavor.

These cooking tips ensure every pot of Hodgepodge soup turns out perfectly.

Variations

Want to customize your Hodgepodge soup recipe? Try one of these simple variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add kidney beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all canned ingredients are gluten-free, or make everything from fresh.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier twist.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
• Asian-Inspired: Use ginger, soy sauce, and bok choy for a flavorful fusion soup.

These substitutes and alternatives help adapt the recipe to your needs without losing flavor.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken works well as a substitute and makes the soup a little lighter.

Q: How long does Hodgepodge soup last in the fridge?
It keeps for 4–5 days in an airtight container. Reheat over medium heat on the stove.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. It freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely and store in freezer-safe containers.

Q: What’s the best type of broth to use?
Beef broth adds the richest flavor, but vegetable or chicken broth can also be used.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a pot of Hodgepodge soup. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a tradition of turning simple ingredients into something special. This homemade meat recipe is easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy.

If you’ve tried this Hodgepodge soup recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments. Did you add your own twist? We’d love to hear it. For more comforting, hearty, and flavor-packed recipes, don’t forget to visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com go-to destination for everyday meat cooking inspiration.