Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of homemade vegetable beef soup, especially on a chilly day. This recipe combines tender beef with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a wholesome and hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Best of all, it stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers for days to come!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable beef soup is a classic comfort food that satisfies the soul and nourishes the body. It’s filled with hearty vegetables, flavorful beef, and a savory broth that ties everything together. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this soup:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables like green beans, corn, carrots, and potatoes, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and frozen vegetables, this dish is as cost-effective as it is delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb of ground beef: Provides a rich, savory flavor and adds protein to the soup.
- 3 medium potatoes: Peeled and diced, these help bulk up the soup with a soft, comforting texture.
- 1 can of green beans (drained): Adds a pop of color and nutrients to the soup.
- 1 can of corn (drained): For a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 cup of frozen peas: A small vegetable that packs a nutritional punch.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes: Gives the soup its hearty tomato base.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Adds depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Enhances the overall savory taste.
- 4 cups of beef broth: The base for the soup, adding a rich, beefy flavor.
- 1 tsp of salt: To bring out all the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- 1 tsp of paprika: For a smoky depth.
- 1/2 tsp of dried thyme: A subtle herb that pairs well with beef.
- 2 tbsp of olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and beef.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and remove the beef from the pot, setting it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors of the soup by allowing the onion and garlic to release their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and any other vegetables you prefer to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. During this time, the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Step 5: Add Back the Beef and More Vegetables
After the soup has simmered, add the cooked beef back into the pot along with the drained green beans, corn, and frozen peas. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure all the vegetables are heated through and the flavors are fully combined.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt or pepper, feel free to add it now. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with your favorite crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup
- Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: While canned vegetables work perfectly in this recipe, you can also use fresh or frozen vegetables if you prefer. They may take a bit longer to cook, but they will add an extra layer of freshness to your soup.
- Substitute Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use stew meat if you prefer chunks of beef rather than ground.
- Add Grains for Extra Heft: If you want to make this soup even heartier, try adding cooked barley, quinoa, or rice to the pot. These grains will absorb some of the flavorful broth and make the dish even more filling.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for extra heat.
Storing and Reheating
- To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion.
- To Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, simply reheat it in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
This vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your body and soul. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing a big batch for meal prep, this soup is sure to become a regular part of your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with your favorite bread or on its own for a satisfying, delicious meal.