Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Introduction
Ground beef vegetable soup is a hearty and nourishing one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with flavor from the ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. This soup is not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables you might have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: The recipe utilizes simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for cooks of any level.
- Nutritious and filling: This soup is packed with protein from the ground beef and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup by using different vegetables or adding your favorite seasonings.
- Budget-friendly: This recipe makes a large batch, providing leftovers for another meal or freezing for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the remaining vegetables: Add the potatoes, green beans, and corn to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes more.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and serve hot.
Helpful Tips:
- Use lean ground beef: To reduce the fat content, opt for lean ground beef or drain any excess grease after browning.
- Substitute vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, peas, or spinach.
- Add more flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding a bay leaf or a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering the soup.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets
Notes:
- Gluten-free option: Ensure the beef broth used is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether and add more vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Add them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking or until heated through.
- Can I add pasta or rice to this soup? Yes, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a heartier meal. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Ground beef vegetable soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a great way to use up leftovers and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. Try this recipe today and experience the warmth and flavor of homemade soup!
