Creole Soup

When you’re craving something cozy, hearty and packed with bold flavor, this Creole soup delivers in a big way. A rich tomato base, ground beef, tender vegetables and classic Creole seasoning come together to create a comforting-yet-vibrant soup with just the right amount of kick. With slow-simmered flavor that’s ready in less than an hour, it’s the kind of one-pot recipe that feels perfect for chilly nights, casual gatherings or easy make-ahead meals. Plus, it only gets better as it sits.

Ingredients for Creole Soup

• Ground beef: Any type of ground beef will work in this soup recipe; 80% lean beef provides the most flavor, but 90% lean is also suitable. To prevent a greasy soup, be sure to drain off the excess fat after browning the beef.
• Bouillon: Water and chicken bouillon cubes form the base for this soup. If you prefer, you could use 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth.
• Diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and their juices add a sweet tomato flavor to the soup base.
• Canned pork and beans: Pork and beans adds some heft to this soup.
• Canned condensed tomato soup: A can of undiluted condensed tomato soup contributes to the soup’s zesty broth.
• Canned mushroom stems and pieces: You can use either a 4-ounce can of mushrooms or substitute 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms.
• Fresh and frozen vegetables: This Creole soup contains lots of vegetables, including the Cajun holy trinity of onion, green pepper and celery ribs and leaves. Other veggies include sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, shredded cabbage and frozen peas.
• Seasonings: The soup is made with a combination of dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, Creole seasoning, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and a bay leaf.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

Editor’s Tip: This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, so be sure to use your largest soup pot.

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients

Add the water, bouillon, canned tomatoes, pork and beans, condensed tomato soup, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, celery, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, frozen peas, dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, Creole seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Bring them to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer

Reduce the heat. Simmer the soup, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Discard the bay leaf before serving the soup.

Creole Soup Variations

• Take it to the sea: Add 1/2 to 3/4 pound of cooked, shelled shrimp for a fresh seafood flavor. Add the shrimp at the end and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes more or until the shrimp are cooked through.
• Make a South Carolina–style soup: Add a cup of okra and sliced spicy sausage (such as andouille) for a Low Country–boil flavor.
• Manage the heat: For a less-spicy soup, use half the amount of Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes. Alternatively, to amp up the heat, add more spices.

How to Store Creole Soup

After allowing the soup to cool to room temperature, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it. Or, transfer the soup into airtight containers and store them in the fridge.

How long does Creole soup last?

Creole soup lasts for up to four days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze Creole soup?

Freezing soup is simple. After the soup cools completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, seal it tightly, and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it.

How should you reheat Creole soup?

Reheat small portions of Creole soup for a few minutes in the microwave or on the stovetop. For larger portions, transfer the soup to a soup pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Creole Soup Tips

Can you make Creole soup in a slow cooker?

We love making soups in our slow cooker, and you can easily adapt this Creole soup recipe to make it in a crockpot. After browning the beef and onions on the stovetop, transfer them to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, then cover and cook the soup on low for four to five hours, or on high for two to three hours.

What can you serve with Creole soup?

Serve this soup with a hearty bread such as a crusty French loaf or Creole cornbread. A big side salad, such as this simple green salad, works well as a fresh contrast to this hearty soup.