If you’re in the mood for something filling, warm, and old-fashioned in flavor, then this Venus De Milo Soup Recipe is just what you’re looking for.
A New England classic, this soup originates from the famous Venus de Milo banquet hall in Swansea, Massachusetts, where it was served at wedding receptions and special events. Residents were so eager to eat it, they’ve commissioned its preparation to local restaurants, and you can make it yourself at home.
This soup is a fantastic compilation of flavor: ground beef, orzo, mixed vegetables, and a richly flavored tomato broth. The best part? It can be prepared in a matter of minutes about 30, from start to finish! You’ll make so much soup, you can feed everyone in the family! This meal will keep you coming back for seconds on a cold night in the winter, or on a cozy fall evening, everyone will be ready to come to the table.
Other recipes like this: bjs brewhouse broccoli cheddar soup recipe, piggy soup recipe, and bjs chicken tortilla soup recipe – all just as comforting and ideal for soup lovers.
Why You’ll Love Venus De Milo Soup
You’ll appreciate the nostalgic charm and simplicity of this Venus De Milo Soup. This is a meal in one pot that tastes like it simmered all day, and it takes a half an hour to make.
This soup combines the hearty beef and orzo with the freshness from the vegetables and tomatoes, resulting in One dish that is healthy, hearty, and full of flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top makes it complete.
It’s also budget friendly, freezer friendly, and varied. You can modify the seasoning, change the veggies, or use ground turkey for a lighter recipe. It will become a family favorite no matter how you make it.
Ingredients Required for Venus De Milo Soup Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Venus De Milo Soup Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 3/4 lb frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, lima beans)
- 2/3 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How To Make Venus De Milo Soup
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Venus De Milo Soup at home
1. Brown the Beef: In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and salt and pepper while it is cooking. Once browned, remove excess grease with a paper towel or spoon.
2. Add Tomato Base: Add the tomato paste and coat the beef. A few minutes later, turn the heat up a bit more and add in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
3. Pour in Broth and Veggies: Add in the chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, and frozen mixed vegetable. Stir to get a good mix of flavor.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer, for the flavors to marry for 20 minutes.
5. Cook the Orzo: After 20 minutes, add in the orzo and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning as necessary, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How to Store Venus De Milo Soup Properly?
Any leftover Venus De Milo Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. The flavors deepen in the fridge, so this soup is even tastier on the second day.
What to Pair and Serve with Venus De Milo Soup
1. With Warm Crusty Bread
Nothing beats dipping a slice of freshly baked Italian or French bread into a bowl of this hearty soup. The bread soaks up that savory beef and tomato broth perfectly.
2. Paired with a Simple Garden Salad
We often serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The freshness balances the rich flavors beautifully.
3. Add a Sprinkle of Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
A dusting of Parmesan cheese with a few sprigs of parsley or basil takes this classic soup to a whole new level of comfort.
4. Serve with Garlic Breadsticks
When we make this for family dinners, buttery garlic breadsticks are always on the table – the perfect partner for every spoonful.
5. Make It a Soup-and-Sandwich Combo
Pair it with a grilled cheese or roast beef sandwich. It turns this simple soup into a satisfying, café-style meal.
6. With a Side of Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the soup’s hearty flavor and add a nice texture contrast.
7. Top with Crumbled Bacon or Shredded Cheese
For extra indulgence, we sometimes sprinkle crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar on top – it melts right into the broth.
8. Enjoy with a Light Pasta Dish
A small portion of pasta like our Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe or Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe makes an elegant pairing for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
9. Serve in Bread Bowls
If you want to impress guests, hollow out small sourdough loaves and ladle the soup inside. It’s cozy, rustic, and totally delicious.
10. Keep It Simple and Cozy
Honestly, sometimes the best way to enjoy Venus De Milo Soup is all on its own, in a big bowl with a spoon and maybe a blanket on a chilly evening.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this Venus De Milo Soup on a cold Sunday, and wow- it made my kitchen smell so good! My family couldn’t wait to eat. It was warm, yummy, and full of veggies. Everyone had seconds, and we even had enough left for lunch the next day!
Tips for Making Venus De Milo Soup
1. Brown the beef well – It makes the soup rich and tasty.
2. Use fresh onions – They add sweet flavor.
3. Don’t skip the orzo – It makes the soup hearty.
4. Simmer slowly – Helps all the flavors blend.
5. Add cheese on top – Parmesan makes it extra special.
6. Serve with bread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up broth!
FAQs on Venus De Milo Soup Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Venus De Milo Soup Recipe.
1. What is Venus De Milo Soup?
Venus De Milo Soup is a hearty Rhode Island classic made with ground beef, orzo pasta, vegetables, and a rich tomato-beef broth. It’s comfort in a bowl and was first served at the famous Venus De Milo banquet hall in Swansea, Massachusetts.
2. How to make Venus De Milo Soup?
You simply brown ground beef, add onions, tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, mixed vegetables, beef broth, and orzo. Simmer everything until tender and flavorful. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and tastes like it’s been simmering all day!
3. What is the secret ingredient in the soup?
The secret is Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before serving. It melts into the broth, adding creamy richness and depth to every spoonful. Don’t skip it- it makes all the difference!
4. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can. Ground chicken or turkey works well for a lighter version, though the classic flavor comes from ground beef.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.
6. Can I freeze Venus De Milo Soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just let it cool, store it in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. What vegetables work best in this soup?
A mix of carrots, peas, green beans, and lima beans gives the perfect balance of color and flavor.
8. What pasta can I use if I don’t have orzo?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or small shells are great substitutes for orzo.
9. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer or stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste.
10. What can I serve with Venus De Milo Soup?
It’s delicious with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a light salad. For a restaurant-style meal, pair it with our bjs brewhouse broccoli cheddar soup recipe or bjs chicken tortilla soup recipe for a comforting soup sampler night!
This Venus De Milo Soup Recipe is proof that old-time comfort can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Each spoonful is hearty, deep in flavor, and comforting. Try pairing this meal with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad, and you’ll feel like you’ve prepared the best dinner ever. You’ll only need to try it once for it to become a permanent part of your dinner rotation. Take a look at our other easy comfort food recipes for more homestyle comfort recipes!
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