Description of this recipe:
Beefy Vegetable Soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe combines tender ground beef with a medley of colorful vegetables in a flavorful beef broth, creating a soup that’s both hearty and wholesome. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, making it a versatile dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Beefy Vegetable Soup is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques. Second, it’s packed with nutrients, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Fourth, the flavors are rich and satisfying, creating a comforting and warming experience with every spoonful. Finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste. This soup is a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 8 cups Beef Broth
- 3 Potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 Celery Stalks, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 Medium Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 – 13 oz Can Diced Tomatoes
- 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup Frozen Peas, thawed
- ½ cup Frozen Corn, thawed
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt, divided
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving)
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate lined with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, thinly sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Season with half of the salt to help draw out moisture and enhance their flavors.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Add the bay leaf, potatoes, green beans, and the remaining seasonings: Italian seasoning, the remaining salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup: Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve: Check the vegetables for tenderness. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. Add the browned ground beef back into the pot, along with the thawed peas and corn. Stir gently to combine and cook on medium-low for a few more minutes, until everything is heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Complexity: Medium
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Serve the Beefy Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.
- Bread: Accompany the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
- Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- Sandwiches: Pair with grilled cheese or a toasted sandwich for a heartier meal.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. Consider adding green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or kale.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. Omit it altogether if you prefer a milder soup.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more overnight.
- Freezing: Beefy Vegetable Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef reduces the amount of fat in the soup.
- Beef Broth Quality: Opt for high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade beef broth if you have it.
- Salt: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Tomato Paste: Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste along with the tomato sauce to enhance the tomato flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (estimated, per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Beefy Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of ground beef, colorful vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a convenient option for busy weeknights, while its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a satisfying and nourishing choice for any time of year. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm and delicious bowl of homemade Beefy Vegetable Soup!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced cooked beef or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Brown the ground beef as directed, then transfer it to a slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Is it necessary to use beef broth? Can I substitute with chicken or vegetable broth?
- While beef broth provides the most authentic flavor, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if needed. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the soup will still be delicious.
- Can I add beans to this soup?
- Yes, adding beans is a great way to increase the fiber and protein content of the soup. Canned kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans would all be excellent additions. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat them through.
- How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
- Beefy Vegetable Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
