Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup
This flavorful and filling soup is packed with tender vegetables, hearty ground beef, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can peas, with liquid included
- Broth and Flavor:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf (or more, to taste)
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional:
- 1/4 cup water, or more as needed
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat and set aside in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the beef.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Stir in the potatoes, corn, green beans, peas (with liquid), tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes.
- Sprinkle in black pepper, add the bay leaf, and thyme for seasoning.
- If needed, add 1/4 cup of water to ensure enough liquid for simmering.
4. Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, paired with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Veggies: Swap in zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a unique twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked beans or lentils for additional protein and texture.
- Thicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces with a fork and stir back into the pot.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with beef and vegetables, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
