Hearty and Healthy: The Ultimate Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, or even a light, comforting meal year-round. This ground beef and vegetable soup recipe is a family favorite for good reason: it’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables. It’s also surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Forget those canned soups loaded with sodium and preservatives – this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and much more satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to become a staple in your rotation.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s highlight why this ground beef and vegetable soup is a winner:
* **Nutritious and Healthy:** Laden with vegetables, this soup is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The lean ground beef provides protein, making it a complete and balanced meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add beans, pasta, or rice for extra heartiness.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Using ground beef and readily available vegetables makes this a cost-effective meal option, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
* **Delicious and Comforting:** The savory broth, tender ground beef, and flavorful vegetables create a symphony of tastes that will warm you from the inside out. It’s pure comfort food in a bowl.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Prepare a big batch and enjoy it throughout the month.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable ground beef and vegetable soup:
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound, lean (90/10 or 93/7) recommended. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, peeled and diced.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, diced.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can, undrained.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Beef Broth:** 6-8 cups (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor).
* **Potatoes:** 2 medium, peeled and cubed (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well).
* **Green Beans:** 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen).
* **Corn:** 1 cup, frozen or fresh.
* **Peas:** 1 cup, frozen or fresh.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, kale, beans (kidney, cannellini, or black beans), pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or egg noodles), rice.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect ground beef and vegetable soup:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned ground beef.
* Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**Step 3: Add the Tomato Base**
* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
* Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and stir to combine.
**Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings**
* Pour in the beef broth (start with 6 cups and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency).
* Add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and bay leaf.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the broth may already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**
* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. For a richer flavor, simmer for an hour or more.
**Step 6: Add Potatoes and Hearty Vegetables**
* Add the cubed potatoes to the soup and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
**Step 7: Add Remaining Vegetables**
* Add the green beans, corn, and peas to the soup. If using other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or kale, add them now as well.
* Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
**Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Serve**
* Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional).
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Soup
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Starting with good quality ground beef and fresh vegetables will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your soup.
* **Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step:** Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery helps to develop their sweetness and create a deeper flavor base for the soup.
* **Brown the Tomato Paste:** Cooking the tomato paste for a minute or two helps to caramelize it, adding a richer, more complex flavor to the soup.
* **Simmer for Longer:** The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have the time, simmer it for an hour or more for the best results.
* **Adjust the Broth:** Add more broth to the soup if it becomes too thick during simmering. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Customize with Add-Ins:** Feel free to add other vegetables, beans, pasta, or rice to the soup to customize it to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors of the soup.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a burst of flavor to the soup. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking or as a garnish.
* **Make It Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup for a little heat.
* **Salt Smartly:** It is crucial to salt at the beginning and throughout the cooking process. This will build the flavor rather than just salting at the end which only makes it taste salty.
## Variations and Additions
This ground beef and vegetable soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and additions to inspire you:
* **Spicy Beef and Vegetable Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup:** Add a can of cannellini beans, a handful of chopped spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to create an Italian-inspired soup.
* **Mexican Beef and Vegetable Soup:** Add a can of black beans, a can of corn, and a packet of taco seasoning to create a Mexican-inspired soup. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
* **Beef and Vegetable Noodle Soup:** Add a cup of cooked pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or egg noodles) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Beef and Vegetable Rice Soup:** Add a cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Creamy Beef and Vegetable Soup:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Beef and Vegetable Soup with Potatoes and Cabbage:** Add shredded cabbage alongside the potatoes for a heartier, more rustic flavor.
* **Instant Pot Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the instant pot. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release.
* **Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup:** Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
## Serving Suggestions
This ground beef and vegetable soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** A slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Garnish with Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Add a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tanginess to the soup.
* **Top with Shredded Cheese:** Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy richness to the soup.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad complements the soup perfectly.
* **Pair with Crackers:** Serve with your favorite crackers for a satisfying crunch.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This ground beef and vegetable soup is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
* **Make-Ahead:** Prepare the soup as directed and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
## Nutrition Information (Estimated)
(Based on a serving size of approximately 1.5 cups)
* Calories: Approximately 250-350
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams (depending on the lean percentage of the ground beef)
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
This ground beef and vegetable soup recipe is a comforting, nutritious, and versatile meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping. With its adaptable nature and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of goodness!
Enjoy your homemade ground beef and vegetable soup! This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warm memories in your kitchen and nourish those you love with a wholesome, satisfying meal. Happy cooking!