This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold days, it’s nourishing, hearty, and easy to make. The recipe’s simple ingredients, like potatoes, green beans, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, create a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for busy schedules. Whether for lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can green beans
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until the beef browns.
- Stir in carrots and celery, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Italian seasoning and bay leaf, stirring for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, then pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato soup, and tomato paste.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce for a tangy depth.
- Add the green beans and corn, then bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Nutrients (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
The Perfect Comfort Food: Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Soup is one of the most versatile and comforting dishes you can make, and this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup embodies that spirit perfectly. A medley of hearty ingredients, this soup not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul. Combining lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a dish that brings people together, whether at a family dinner table or during a cozy weekend lunch. Let’s explore what makes this recipe so special, why it deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire, and the benefits it offers.
A Hearty and Nourishing Classic
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup stands out as a true classic. It’s a dish that adapts easily to the changing seasons and evolving tastes. The rich, beefy base, paired with the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables, offers a satisfying depth of flavor. What sets this recipe apart is its ability to balance simplicity with robust taste.
The key to its heartiness lies in the perfect combination of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The ground beef provides a rich source of protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle repair. Meanwhile, the vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, celery, and green beans, are packed with vitamins and minerals. These ingredients make this soup not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
Easy to Make and Adapt
One of the most appealing aspects of this soup is its simplicity. Despite its rich flavors, it doesn’t require advanced culinary skills or hard-to-find ingredients. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 35 minutes, this soup is ideal for busy schedules. The one-pot approach also minimizes cleanup, making it a stress-free choice for weeknight dinners.
This recipe’s adaptability is another reason it has enduring appeal. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add zucchini, peas, or spinach for more greens. You could even incorporate lentils or beans to make it a vegetarian dish. The possibilities are endless.
A Symphony of Flavors
The flavor profile of this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is elevated by the thoughtful use of seasonings and condiments. The Italian seasoning adds herbal notes that complement the beef and vegetables beautifully, while the bay leaf infuses the broth with subtle earthy undertones. A splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the soup’s complexity, bringing a tangy umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
The combination of canned diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and tomato paste creates a layered tomato base that is both comforting and tangy. This trio of tomato-based ingredients ensures the broth is thick, flavorful, and just slightly sweet. By the time the soup is ready, it has developed a depth of flavor that belies its quick preparation time.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup is a nutrient powerhouse, offering a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. The lean ground beef contributes high-quality protein and iron, crucial for maintaining energy levels and preventing anemia. The variety of vegetables provides a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and boosting the immune system.
Potatoes, a key ingredient, are an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Carrots deliver beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health and skin vitality. Green beans and celery contribute fiber for improved digestion, while corn adds a natural sweetness and additional fiber.
For those mindful of dietary goals, this soup is relatively low in calories (320 kcal per serving) and contains a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hunger but light enough to fit into a balanced meal plan.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The beauty of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is its versatility. It can be a complete meal on its own or a comforting appetizer for a more elaborate dinner. Pair it with a crusty baguette or some garlic bread for a heartier meal. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two, making leftovers a treat.
This soup is also a great choice for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. Its broad appeal makes it a family-friendly option, loved by kids and adults alike.
The Joy of Homemade Soup
In today’s fast-paced world, homemade soup offers a welcome sense of comfort and control. Making soup from scratch allows you to tailor the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences, avoiding the excess sodium and preservatives found in many store-bought options. The act of cooking itself can be meditative and rewarding, turning simple ingredients into a harmonious dish.
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup embodies the joy of homemade cooking. It’s a reminder of how food can bring warmth and happiness, especially during colder months. There’s something deeply satisfying about ladling a steaming bowl of soup and savoring its rich, comforting flavors.
Conclusion: A Soup Worth Sharing
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a casual lunch, a comforting dinner, or a meal shared with friends. Its rich, hearty flavors, combined with its ease of preparation, make it a must-have recipe for any home cook.
This soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, coming together to create something truly special. It nourishes not only the body but also the soul, providing comfort and warmth with every spoonful. As you enjoy this delightful dish, you’re not just tasting a meal; you’re experiencing the timeless joy of homemade comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this soup is sure to become a cherished favorite.
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Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold days, it’s nourishing, hearty, and easy to make. The recipe’s simple ingredients, like potatoes, green beans, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, create a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for busy schedules. Whether for lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can green beans
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until the beef browns.
- Stir in carrots and celery, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Italian seasoning and bay leaf, stirring for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, then pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato soup, and tomato paste.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce for a tangy depth.
- Add the green beans and corn, then bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes