Description
A rich and hearty imitation turtle soup made with ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, and aromatic spices. A comforting, old-fashioned dish with Creole flair.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
4. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, cloves, allspice, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs and simmer another 5 minutes.
7. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This classic dish originated as a cheaper substitute for green sea turtle soup.
For deeper flavor, add a splash of sherry or Madeira just before serving.
Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
Leftovers taste even better the next day—store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: mock turtle soup, beef turtle soup, Creole soup, traditional comfort food