Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Introduction:

Warm up with this hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, packed with tender beef and a medley of vegetables in a savory tomato-based broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is both filling and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 carrots, diced
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can peas, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf, or more to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
• ¼ cup water, as needed

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Crumble the ground beef into a stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the beef. Cook and stir until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in the potatoes, corn, green beans, undrained peas, tomato sauce, and crushed whole tomatoes. Season with black pepper, then add the bay leaf and ground thyme.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Pour in ¼ cup of water if needed. Bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring regularly, until the potatoes are tender, about 1 hour. Add more water as needed while cooking.
5. Serve:
   • Once the potatoes are tender and the soup is well-flavored, remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans for protein.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added for extra flavor.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini based on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a splash of water if the soup is too thick after reheating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the soup.
3. How can I make this soup spicier? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced chili pepper to the soup.
4. Can I add noodles or rice? Yes, you can add cooked noodles or rice in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. What can I use instead of bay leaf? If you don’t have bay leaf, you can use a small amount of dried basil or oregano as an alternative.
6. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing.
7. How can I make the soup thicker? To thicken the soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
8. Can I use beef broth instead of water? Yes, beef broth can be used to enhance the flavor of the soup.
9. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for long-term storage.
10. Is this soup suitable for a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together tender beef and a variety of vegetables in a deliciously seasoned broth. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to feed the family or a dish that freezes well for future use, this soup checks all the boxes. With its flexibility for various dietary preferences and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy a bowl of this homemade goodness and warm up your day!

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