Hearty Wild Rice and Beef Soup
Warm up with this delectable Hearty Wild Rice and Beef Soup that blends the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and the nutty essence of wild rice. This comforting dish is perfect for potlucks or a cozy night in, delivering a delicious balance of flavors in every bite. Enhanced with the tangy goodness of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and creamy half-and-half, it will surely satisfy any craving for comfort food. Indulge in this soul-soothing soup on cold winter days, where each spoonful feels like a warm hug.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wild rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Ground beef
1 to 1.5 lbs (browned)
Chicken broth
14.5 ounces (canned)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can (canned)
Half-and-half
2 cups (or substitute with milk)
Cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
Shredded carrot
1/3 cup (fresh)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing
1 package (not the dip)
Onion
1 (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions until tender.
2
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and then drain any excess fat.
3
In a large crockpot, combine the cooked wild rice, browned ground beef, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, half-and-half (or milk), shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrot, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, and chopped onion if using.
4
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
6
When the soup is hot and bubbly, give it a good stir before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Wild Rice and Beef Soup?
It is a comforting and creamy soup made with ground beef, wild rice, cheddar cheese, and a hint of ranch seasoning.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute the half-and-half with an equal amount of milk if you prefer a lighter texture.
How much wild rice do I need?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked wild rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, you should cook the wild rice according to the package instructions until tender before adding it to the soup mixture.
Should the ground beef be cooked before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in a skillet and drained of excess fat before being combined with other ingredients.
What type of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe specifies using 14.5 ounces of canned chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While shredded cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Is the onion required for this recipe?
No, the onion is optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
How long does the soup need to cook in the crockpot?
The soup should be covered and cooked on the high setting for 2 to 3 hours.
Which ranch dressing should I use?
The recipe calls for one package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing (not the dip mix).
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need between 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more shredded carrots, celery, or peas to increase the vegetable content.
Is this soup good for potlucks?
Yes, its creamy and hearty nature makes it an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings.
What should I do once the soup is hot and bubbly?
Give the soup a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well-distributed before serving.
Can I use cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken would work as a suitable alternative if you do not like mushrooms.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be shredded fresh, using about 1/3 of a cup.
Can I make this soup on the stove?
Yes, after browning the beef and cooking the rice, you can simmer all ingredients in a large pot on the stove until hot.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and primarily involves combining pre-cooked ingredients in a slow cooker.
Does this soup contain fiber?
While the exact nutritional values aren't listed, the wild rice and carrots provide some dietary fiber.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can freeze it, but note that the dairy components (cheese and half-and-half) may change texture slightly upon thawing.
Can I use a different meat?
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as leaner substitutes for ground beef.
What makes this soup 'hearty'?
The combination of dense wild rice, protein-rich beef, and a thick creamy base creates a very filling meal.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth would enhance the meaty flavor of the soup even further.
Is it necessary to stir during the cooking process?
The instructions recommend stirring occasionally to ensure even heating throughout the 2-3 hour cook time.
What serving size is recommended?
While the specific volume per serving isn't listed, the recipe is designed to be divided into 6 equal portions.
Can I use frozen shredded carrots?
Yes, frozen shredded carrots can be used if fresh ones are not available.
What provides the 'nutty essence' mentioned in the description?
The wild rice is responsible for the unique nutty flavor and chewy texture of the soup.
Can I use the Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix instead of the dressing mix?
The recipe specifically recommends the dressing package, as the dip mix may have different salt and seasoning concentrations.