This quick steak and onion soup recipe is the perfect comfort food. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The soup is made with thin round steak, onions, crushed and diced tomatoes, and is seasoned with salt and pepper. The addition of hot mashed potatoes makes this dish hearty and filling.
All ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, if you can't find thin round steak, you can substitute it with any other lean cut of beef. Make sure to get high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the soup. Potatoes are used to thicken the soup so remember to pick up some when shopping.
Ingredients for Quick Steak and Onion Soup
Thin round steak: This is a lean cut of beef that remains tender after cooking.
Yellow onions: They provide a natural sweetness to the soup.
Crushed tomatoes: This gives the soup a rich and hearty tomato base.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture to the soup.
Vegetable shortening: Used as a cooking fat that adds a smooth texture to the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Hot mashed potatoes: Thicken the soup and make it more filling.
One reader, Drusy Stclair says:
This quick steak and onion soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it's so easy to make. The tender steak and savory onions create a perfect harmony, and the addition of mashed potatoes adds a delightful twist. It's a must-try for any soup lover!
Cooking Techniques for Flavorful Soup
How to slice the steak: Thinly slice the steak into 1-inch pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly in the soup.
How to cook the soup: Combine the steak, onions, tomatoes, and shortening in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 50 minutes, covered, until the onions are tender. This allows the flavors to meld together and the steak to become tender.
How to season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
How to serve the soup: Ladle the soup into warmed soup bowls and add a dollop of hot mashed potatoes to each serving. This adds a creamy and hearty element to the dish.
How To Make Quick Steak and Onion Soup
This savory and comforting steak and onion soup brims with bright flavors from seasoned tomatoes. Serve with a dollop of mashed potatoes for a hearty dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbthin round steak
- 2large yellow onions
- 1cancrushed tomatoes
- 1candiced tomatoes,with garlic and basil
- 1tbspvegetable shortening,or oil
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 2cupshot mashed potatoes
Instructions
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Thinly slice the steak into 1-inch pieces.
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Combine the steak, onions, tomatoes, and shortening in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 50 minutes, covered, until the onions are tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
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Ladle the soup into warmed soup bowls and add a dollop of potatoes to each serving.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 269.30kcal
- Fat: 10.97g
- Saturated Fat: 3.51g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.05g
- Carbohydrates: 23.71g
- Fiber: 4.18g
- Sugar: 6.66g
- Protein: 20.06g
- Cholesterol: 52.16mg
- Sodium: 736.33mg
- Calcium: 79.44mg
- Potassium: 856.21mg
- Iron: 3.10mg
- Vitamin A: 50.23µg
- Vitamin C: 14.65mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing Soup Flavors
When slicing the steak, it's best to cut against the grain. This means to slice perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which you can see running through the meat. This technique will help to break up the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender in your soup. Also, using a sharp knife will ensure clean cuts and prevent the meat from tearing.
Time-Saving Tips for Quick Soup Preparation
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and slice the steak in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use a pressure cooker: Pressure cookers can significantly reduce cooking time, making the soup preparation faster and more efficient.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare other components of the meal or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Pre-cooked ingredients: Consider using pre-cooked or canned ingredients like pre-cooked diced steak or canned diced onions to cut down on prep time.
One-pot meal: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize the number of dishes and save time on cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Steak and Onion Soup Recipe
thin round steak - Substitute with flank steak: Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut that can be used as a substitute for thin round steak in this recipe. It's also easy to slice thinly and cooks quickly.
large yellow onions - Substitute with sweet onions: Sweet onions have a milder flavor compared to yellow onions and will work well in this recipe, adding a touch of sweetness to the soup.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a smoother texture to the soup.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with canned whole tomatoes, crushed: Canned whole tomatoes, crushed, can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor to the soup.
vegetable shortening - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute for vegetable shortening to sauté the ingredients, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
hot mashed potatoes - Substitute with cooked rice: Cooked rice can be used as a substitute for hot mashed potatoes, adding a different texture and heartiness to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Serving Steak and Onion Soup
Elevate the steak: Thinly slice the steak into 1-inch pieces and arrange them in a visually appealing manner on the serving dish. The steak should be the star of the dish, so ensure it is presented with finesse and precision.
Caramelized onion nest: Create a delicate nest of caramelized onions to cradle the steak. This adds an element of sophistication to the dish and showcases the sweetness of the onions.
Artful tomato drizzle: Drizzle a vibrant and artful pattern of the combined crushed and diced tomatoes around the edge of the serving dish. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of fresh microgreens over the dish to add a burst of color and a touch of elegance. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the other components.
Mound of whipped potatoes: Instead of a dollop, create a luxurious and smooth mound of hot mashed potatoes using a piping bag. This elevates the presentation and adds a touch of refinement to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Soup
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making soups, sauces, and boiling liquids.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables and fruits.
- Can opener: A device used to open metal cans and tins.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to the base of pans and pots.
- Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving soups.
- Potato masher: A tool used to mash cooked potatoes or other soft foods.
- Spatula: A flat utensil used for flipping and serving foods such as steaks and potatoes.
- Tongs: A gripping tool used for lifting and turning hot ingredients while cooking.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Soup
Allow the steak and onion soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious when reheated.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Divide the cooled soup into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This will allow you to thaw only what you need for future meals.
- Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen inventory.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and easy storage.
Steak and onion soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain the best quality, consider using the frozen soup within 1-2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little broth or water to adjust the consistency.
For best results, prepare a fresh batch of mashed potatoes to serve with the reheated soup. This will ensure the potatoes maintain their optimal texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the steak and onions are evenly heated and the flavors have a chance to meld together again.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the steak to become tough.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of beef broth or water to the soup while reheating. This will help loosen up the consistency and make it more enjoyable to eat.
If you find that the steak has become a bit tough after refrigeration, try shredding it with two forks before reheating. This will make it easier to eat and help it absorb more of the delicious soup flavors.
Don't forget to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, can brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to the dish.
Prepare a fresh batch of mashed potatoes to serve alongside the reheated soup. The combination of creamy potatoes and savory soup is simply irresistible.
If you want to add some extra texture and flavor to the reheated soup, consider topping it with some crispy fried onions or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. These simple additions can take your leftover soup to the next level.
Interesting Trivia About Steak and Onion Soup
The quick steak and onion soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that can be prepared in a relatively short amount of time. It's a great way to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender steak, savory onions, and flavorful tomatoes creates a delicious and filling soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is also versatile, allowing for variations in seasoning and additional ingredients to suit individual tastes. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a starter, this soup is sure to be a hit with steak lovers.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Soup: Is It Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this steak and onion soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The use of thin round steak and onions, combined with canned tomatoes and basic seasonings, keeps the cost low while delivering a flavorful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy?
The quick steak and onion soup recipe, while hearty and comforting, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The use of thin round steak, which is typically higher in saturated fat compared to leaner cuts of beef
- The inclusion of vegetable shortening, a source of unhealthy trans fats
- The absence of additional vegetables, which could provide more nutrients and fiber to the dish
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as onions and tomatoes, which offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, and trim any visible fat
- Replace the vegetable shortening with a healthier cooking oil, like olive oil or avocado oil
- Add more vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, and leafy greens, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium canned tomatoes and adding less salt during seasoning
- Serve the soup with a smaller portion of mashed potatoes or replace them with a healthier alternative, like mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your cravings for a warm, filling dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Steak and Onion Soup Recipe
This quick steak and onion soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender steak, sweet onions, and flavorful tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying soup. The addition of mashed potatoes adds a creamy and indulgent touch. However, I would recommend adding some herbs or spices to enhance the flavor profile and make the dish more dynamic. Overall, it's a simple and delicious recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Why trust this Quick Steak and Onion Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The thin round steak provides a tender and juicy base, while the yellow onions add a sweet and savory depth. The addition of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes infuses the soup with rich, robust flavors. The use of vegetable shortening enhances the overall mouthfeel and richness of the dish. Finally, the creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty finish. Trust in the simplicity and balance of this recipe for a delicious and fulfilling dining experience.
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