Vegetable Beef Soup

This hearty and comforting Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is pure culinary sunshine in a bowl. The broth boasts such deep, savory notes. It truly warms you from the inside out on a chilly evening. We use bright vegetables and fragrant herbs for an incredible flavor experience. This simple stovetop simmering method guarantees a tender result every time, making it a weeknight champion.

I often make a huge batch specifically for lunch prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day, which is a huge bonus for busy schedules. Everyone in my family, even the pickier ones, really enjoys this satisfying, wholesome meal. It is hearty soup made simple.

Why I Love This Recipe

I cherish this Vegetable Beef Soup for so many reasons. Honestly, it is practically foolproof. You just toss things in a pot and walk away.

• Speedy Weeknights: It comes together fast after work.
• Deep Flavor: The long simmer builds amazing savory depth.
• Meal Prep Gold: This recipe doubles beautifully for easy lunch packing.
• Comfort Factor: It tastes just like my grandmother’s kitchen.

This Ground Beef Soup offers unmatched comfort without effort. It is truly my go-to when I need something filling fast.

Vegetable Beef Soup Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients feels like assembling a colorful treasure chest for flavor. Combining fresh produce with rich beef creates magic in the pot. Every element plays a crucial part in this classic American dish.

• Ground Beef: This forms the flavorful, robust base protein for our soup.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: These aromatics provide a crucial foundation of savory sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: They lend necessary acidity and body to the liquid.
• Beef Broth: This liquid carries all those wonderful, deep beefy notes throughout.
• Dried Basil and Oregano: These herbs offer that signature, warm Italian-American essence.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Corn, Green Beans: They add texture, color, and essential quick-cooking nutrients.
• Small Pasta (Optional): Adding pasta makes this hearty soup even more substantial.

Remember, exact measurements for your serving size are waiting on the printable card below. Don’t stress about precision here, though!

Substitutions and Tips

Making a great Vegetable Beef Soup often means adjusting for what you have. If you prefer a leaner soup, drain that beef fat very well after browning. You can easily substitute stewing beef cubes for ground beef for a different texture experience. Just remember those cubes need a much longer initial simmer time.

For a major flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce during the liquid stage. It deepens that savory element beautifully. Feel free to swap basil for thyme if you prefer. Store any leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to four days. This soup is truly forgiving and adaptable.

How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

Now for the best part, making this wonderful soup! Follow these simple steps for the best results. We are aiming for a perfectly cooked, rich, and savory broth. This process transforms simple pantry items into a truly satisfying Beef and Vegetable Stew right on your stovetop.

Step 1: Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics

Grab your large pot or Dutch oven first. Heat it over medium-high setting on your stove. Add the ground beef right there. Cook it until it browns nicely all over. Next, carefully drain off any extra fat pooling at the bottom. Now, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. You want these vegetables to soften up slightly. Cook them for about five to seven minutes total.

Step 2: Building the Broth Base

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the liquid from the can! Pour in the tomato sauce next. Then, measure in your four cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano now too. Give everything a good, thorough stir together. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer on the heat.

Step 3: The Flavor Meld Simmer

Once that rich liquid starts bubbling gently, turn down the heat. Reduce it low enough to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Cover your pot securely with a lid. Let this base cook undisturbed now. You want it to simmer for a solid thirty minutes at minimum. Even an hour helps the flavors deepen wonderfully in your Vegetable Beef Soup.

Step 4: Adding Frozen Components and Pasta

After the initial simmer, it is time for the colorful additions. Add your frozen mixed vegetables right in. Next go the frozen corn and green beans. If you decided to use pasta, add it now too. Keep cooking for another ten to fifteen minutes. Ensure the vegetables are tender and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the broth carefully now that everything is cooked. Now we adjust the seasoning just right for your family. Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that broth sodium varies wildly. Serve your wonderful hearty soup immediately while it is steaming hot.

How to Store Vegetable Beef Soup

Storing leftovers is smart for busy moms like us. This Vegetable Beef Soup keeps very well for later enjoyment. Cool the soup completely before storage, which is really important. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator right away. It lasts wonderfully for about four days this way. For longer preservation, feel free to freeze individual portions. These frozen bowls are perfect for quick future meals. It truly is ready when you need a comforting dish fast.

Tips for Success

• Always brown your beef well before draining the fat completely. This builds crucial upfront flavor.
• If skipping pasta, slightly increase the initial simmer time instead. This concentrates the broth nicely.
• Use low-sodium beef broth if you watch your salt intake closely. Adjust seasoning later on.
• Freezing works best if you leave out the pasta initially for best texture later.
• Use good quality canned, diced tomatoes for better liquid flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning and simmering everything together.
• Sturdy Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and scraping up browned bits.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Needed for chopping those fresh carrots and onions.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Keep ingredient ratios accurate for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve big bowls of this Vegetable Beef Soup with crusty bread for dipping.
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green color.
• Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing.
• For a lighter meal, serve alongside crunchy cheese crackers.
• A glass of crisp iced tea complements the savory flavors well.

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