Introduction:
This Quick Vegetable Ground Beef Soup is a hearty and delicious dish that can be prepared in no time.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting and nutritious.
Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, this soup is a complete meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bay leaf (optional)
1-2 cups of water (optional, depending on desired thickness)
Instructions:
Cook the ground beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, frozen peas, green beans, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
If the soup seems too thick, you can add 1-2 cups of water to reach your desired consistency.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf (if used) and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Description:
This Quick Vegetable Ground Beef Soup is an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that combines the richness of ground beef with the freshness of vegetables. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed soup that’s perfect for any season.
The hearty combination of ingredients makes it filling enough to be a stand-alone meal, yet light enough for any time of the day.
It’s a great way to get your servings of veggies while enjoying the savory flavors of beef and herbs.
Tips:
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for a more varied texture.
Make ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors get better the next day.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables for a richer taste.
Variations:
Add pasta: Throw in a handful of small pasta, like elbow macaroni or orzo, for an added texture.
Go vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use more beans or lentils as a protein source.
Use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Herb variations: Swap the basil and oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.
Corrections:
Too salty? If the soup ends up too salty, add a peeled potato to the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes.
The potato will absorb some of the excess salt.
Too thick? Add more broth or water, depending on your preference, to thin the soup.
Enjoy:
This soup is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or meal prep for the week.
It’s packed with flavor, easy to adjust to your preferences, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
Enjoy your homemade Quick Vegetable Ground Beef Soup!