Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming recipe that’s sure to take you down memory lane. Vegetable Beef Soup is a true comfort food classic, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little culinary hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a nourishing, wholesome dish that everyone will love. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, tender beef, and a rich, flavorful broth that warms your soul with every bite. Let’s get cooking and bring some nostalgia to the table with this delightful recipe!
Introduction
There’s something magical about a bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup. It’s not just the savory aroma that fills your kitchen or the vibrant colors of the fresh veggies – it’s the feeling of home that comes with each spoonful. For many, this dish is a family staple, passed down through generations, and each household has its own special touch. My mom’s version, which I’m sharing with you today, holds a special place in my heart. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
This soup also has a rich history in many cultures as a way to use up leftover vegetables and make the most out of inexpensive cuts of meat. With its humble roots, Vegetable Beef Soup has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort dish in homes around the world. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust it to your dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just learning your way around the kitchen, this soup is a must-try!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Vegetable Beef Soup recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional substitutions:
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter version.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Vegetable Beef Soup:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Helpful Tips
- For more depth of flavor, you can brown the beef with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a rich, umami flavor to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the beef and vegetables.
- Make it heartier: If you’re looking for an even more filling meal, try adding cooked pasta or rice in the final 10 minutes of cooking. This turns the soup into more of a stew, perfect for extra-hungry guests!
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables: If you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand, frozen veggies work just as well! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables may cook faster.
- Get the perfect texture: If you like your soup a bit thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot once they’ve softened. This will help thicken the broth without adding any additional ingredients.
- Enhance the flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dollop of sour cream before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable Beef Soup is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to make a complete meal, here are some ideas:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. The bread soaks up the broth beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
- A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the robust flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Nutritional Information
This soup is not only comforting but also nutritious! Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a well-balanced meal that offers plenty of health benefits.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 750mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 80%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 15%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: When reheating, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions.
If you have leftover soup, it tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld together, creating an even richer taste. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand, such as zucchini, green beans, or peas.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- What’s the best way to thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the broth.
Related Recipes
Check out these delicious related recipes from Optimal Recipes for more hearty soup ideas:
Explore these and more at Optimal Recipes [link to sitemap].
Conclusion
Now that you have all the steps, tips, and tricks for making this comforting Vegetable Beef Soup, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for sharing with loved ones. We’d love to hear how your version turns out, so feel free to leave a comment or tag us on social media with your creations. Enjoy the warmth and comfort in every bite!
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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe | Hearty & Nutritious Comfort
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming recipe that’s sure to take you down memory lane. Vegetable Beef Soup is a true comfort food classic, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little culinary hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a nourishing, wholesome dish that everyone will love. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, tender beef, and a rich, flavorful broth that warms your soul with every bite. Let’s get cooking and bring some nostalgia to the table with this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional substitutions:
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter version.
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Finish and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- For more depth of flavor, you can brown the beef with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a rich, umami flavor to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the beef and vegetables.
- Make it heartier: If you’re looking for an even more filling meal, try adding cooked pasta or rice in the final 10 minutes of cooking. This turns the soup into more of a stew, perfect for extra-hungry guests!
