Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you up on a chilly day. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables and tender ground beef, creating a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just for yourself, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and fill you up.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
One of the best things about Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is its versatility. You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it an excellent way to clean out your fridge. The combination of flavors from the beef and vegetables creates a rich and savory broth that keeps you coming back for more. This soup is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and vitamins. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you. Whether you enjoy it on its own or serve it alongside some crusty bread, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table.
Ingredients about Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
To start making your delicious Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This step is crucial as it releases the flavors of the meat. Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove any excess fat from the pot.
Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant, which should take a couple of minutes. This is where the base flavors of your soup begin to develop. Next, stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery. Allow these vegetables to cook for a few minutes, as they will soften and add to the hearty texture of the soup.
Pour in the beef broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still maintain some structure. After this simmering period, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika into the pot. These ingredients will enhance the flavor profile of your soup significantly. Also, stir in the chopped green beans and corn kernels.
Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. After this time has passed, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it needs more salt or spice, feel free to add it according to your preference. Once everything is cooked to your liking, your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is ready to be served. Before serving, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor, if you wish.
How to Serve Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Serving Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is simple and satisfying. You can ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy it as is or pair it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. This combination makes for a perfect cozy meal. If you want to elevate your soup experience, consider adding some grated cheese, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also bring a lovely brightness to the dish.
Another fantastic option is to serve the soup with a side salad to balance the meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully. Make sure to provide some additional bread on the side so everyone can enjoy every last drop of the delicious broth.
Expert Tips: Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Choose Quality Meat: The flavor of your soup relies heavily on the quality of the ground beef. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option without skimping on flavor.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have available. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can make delightful additions.
- Balance the Broth: Adjust the broth according to your preference for a thicker or thinner soup. You can add more broth or reduce it if you prefer a heartier version.
- Let It Rest: Allowing your soup to rest for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your soup along the way. Adjust spices, herbs, and seasoning to match your flavor preferences.
How to Store Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
If you have leftovers, storing your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
There are countless ways to customize your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you want a heartier soup, try adding whole grains like barley or quinoa. They will soak up the flavors of the broth and add extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative. They provide a similar texture with fewer calories. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to bring a new twist to the flavor palette.
Lastly, if you’re aiming for a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils to up the protein content. The diced tomatoes and vegetables will still provide a robust flavor for your soup without meat.
FAQ
What is Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting dish made with ground beef, a variety of vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. It’s a hearty and nutritious meal, perfect for cold days.
How long does it take to make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? Preparation and cooking time for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is approximately 45 minutes. This includes browning the beef, cooking the vegetables, and letting it all simmer together.
Can I use frozen vegetables in Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? Absolutely! Using frozen vegetables is a convenient option, and they work just as well in this soup. Just add them in during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.
What can I serve with Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? You can serve this soup with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some cheese on top for extra flavor. It pairs nicely with many side dishes!
How do I reheat Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating it in short intervals and stirring in between.
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth Adjust according to preference for thicker or thinner soup.
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste as necessary.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until nicely browned and breaking it up into smaller pieces.
- Carefully remove any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery. Cook for a few minutes.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, green beans, and corn.
- Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve as is or with crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if desired.
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