No chilly day is complete without a big bowl of this ground beef vegetable soup!
This meaty soup is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a blend of spices. And it’s sure to make your tastebuds dance!
Not only is this hearty soup recipe comforting but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have in your fridge.
And it’s just plain delicious. The aroma of the soup, as it cooks on the stove, will fill your home with a comforting scent.
It’ll make your stomach grumble with hunger. Give it a try!
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of hearty ground beef vegetable soup on a cold winter day.
It’s the perfect comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out.
Imagine, a bowl of hot soup with chunks of tender beef, mixed with all your favorite veggies like carrots, potatoes, and green beans.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
This ground beef vegetable soup is not only delicious but also super versatile.
You can add any veggies you like, whether it’s zucchini, spinach, or kale.
And if you want to make it a more complete meal, add some lentils or barley. The possibilities are endless!
You can also switch up the flavor by adding cumin and chili powder for a Mexican twist, or ginger and curry powder for an Asian variation.
The options are endless!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also perfect for meal prepping.
Make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
You can also freeze it for later.
And let’s not forget the health benefits! This soup is packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, and hydration.
So not only will it warm your belly, but also your soul.
So if you’re looking for a way to warm up on a cold winter day, give this ground beef vegetable soup a try.
Your tastebuds and your belly will thank you
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
- Ground beef: The star of the show. This is the main protein in the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.
- Mixed vegetables: These are the vegetables in the soup, adding color, texture, and nutrition to the soup. Use carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and any other kind you like. Cut them into small, diced, or cubed portions for a more consistent texture
- Canned vegetables: Add canned kernel corn, green beans, peas, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes to add more variety and flavor to the soup. They save time and still retain their nutritional value.
- Seasonings: A seasoning combo of ground black pepper, salt, bay leaf, and ground thyme. These seasonings give the soup a depth of flavor and a kick of taste.
- Water: Water helps to adjust the consistency and keeps everything moist and delicious. You can add as much or as little as you like to get the soup to the perfect consistency for you.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Let’s get started by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook it until it’s cooked through, which should take around 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease.
- Now add some diced carrots, chopped celery, and onion to the pot. Cook it until the vegetables are tender, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Time to add some more veggies! Add some potatoes, corn, green beans, peas, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Season the soup with salt and pepper, and add a bay leaf and thyme for extra flavor.
- If you need it, add 1/4 cup of water. Bring the soup to a simmer and cover it. Cook it for about 1 hour, occasionally stirring until the potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy!
How Long Does Vegetable Soup Last?
Ground beef vegetable soup will stay fresh in the fridge for around 3-4 days as long as it’s stored in an air-tight container.
Like most soups, over time the veggies can become too soft and the flavors can fade a bit.
But don’t worry, if you want to save some for later, you can always freeze it!
And when you’re ready to eat it, just heat it up in the microwave until it’s hot and ready to go.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
The great news is that ground beef vegetable soup can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Just be sure the soup cools down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date so you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the fridge.
Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’ll be just like new!
Recipe Tips
If you’re looking to add a little extra zing to your ground beef vegetable soup, here are a few tips to make it even more flavorful:
- Use a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to the soup. Carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes are a great starting point. You can also add in other vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can use higher-quality meat instead of ground beef. Chuck roast or chuck shoulder becomes fall-apart tender when you simmer it for a few hours. But if you’re short on time, ground beef is just fine.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly for a richer flavor. Be sure to cook the beef until it’s fully browned, and then drain off any excess fat. This will give your soup a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Simmer the soup for long enough to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. A simmer time of 20-25 minutes should do the trick.
- Serve with crusty bread to dip in the soup or a sprinkle of cheese on top. The bread will help to soak up all the delicious broth, and the cheese adds a nice, creamy texture.
- Try adding some fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a bright, herby flavor.
- Give it a little kick with some onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, curry powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
- Toss in a rind of Parmesan cheese while it simmers. This adds a nice salty, nutty flavor.
- Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice or splash in some vinegar for a touch of tanginess.
- If your soup is lacking in flavor, it might just need a little extra salt to bring out all the deliciousness.