This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Brimming with vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans, it combines the richness of ground beef with aromatic herbs for a flavor-packed experience. Each spoonful is a blend of tender veggies and savory broth, making it an ideal meal for any season.
Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this soup is as versatile as it is comforting. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome and satisfying dinner. It’s a guaranteed hit for family meals or cozy nights at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove beef and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomato paste, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and return the ground beef to the pot. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl. Packed with protein from lean ground beef and loaded with nutrient-dense vegetables, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. The savory broth, infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of tomato, ties everything together for a rich and satisfying flavor. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or need a quick and wholesome family dinner, this soup delivers on all fronts.
Health Benefits
- Nutritional Powerhouse:
- High in fiber from carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like potassium from vegetables.
- Provides lean protein from ground beef, making it a filling and energy-boosting meal.
- Low-Calorie, High-Satisfaction Meal:
- At just 280 kcal per serving, it’s a guilt-free choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Heart-Healthy Ingredients:
- Swap regular ground beef for lean or grass-fed beef to reduce fat content.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth to make it more heart-friendly.
Variations to Try
- Low-Carb Option:
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini to reduce carbs without sacrificing texture. - Spicy Twist:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who like a kick of heat. - Vegan Adaptation:
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Different Proteins:
Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a unique flavor variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Light and Fresh: Add a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
- Toppings Galore: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crispy croutons for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Soup
- Browning the Beef: Be sure to thoroughly brown the ground beef before adding it to the soup for a deeper flavor.
- Layering Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic first ensures a flavorful base for the soup.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and enjoy the intensified flavors.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions
This soup is ideal for meal prepping and freezing. Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Here’s even more detailed information about the Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup recipe that can enhance your website article and provide value to your readers. This content includes historical context, ingredient highlights, and a deeper dive into customization options.
A Brief History of Hearty Soups
Hearty soups like this Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup have been a staple in homes for centuries. Rooted in practicality, these soups were traditionally prepared as a way to make the most of available ingredients, often stretching small amounts of meat with an abundance of vegetables and flavorful broths. This approach made soups both economical and nourishing, perfect for feeding families during cold seasons. Today, these recipes remain a comfort-food classic, celebrated for their simplicity and adaptability.
Highlighted Ingredients and Their Roles
- Ground Beef: Provides a savory base with a rich, meaty flavor. Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat while maintaining the hearty texture.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add sweetness and an earthy depth, creating a balanced and aromatic profile.
- Potatoes: Serve as a natural thickener and add a satisfying, creamy texture to the soup.
- Green Beans: A pop of color and a fresh crunch, these beans enhance the soup’s nutritional value.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Offer a tangy brightness, tying the flavors together with a touch of acidity.
- Herbs (Thyme and Oregano): Dried herbs bring warmth and a fragrant, homey aroma. Fresh parsley on top adds a refreshing finish.
- Beef Broth: Acts as the soup’s backbone, providing a deep, robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to prepare, this soup is perfect for busy evenings when you need something hearty and comforting.
- Meal Prepping: Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions for a week’s worth of meals.
- Cold Weather Comfort: Ideal for chilly days when you crave a warm and satisfying dish.
- Gatherings and Potlucks: This soup’s universal appeal makes it a hit at casual get-togethers.
Customization Ideas for Different Palates
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the soup’s nutritional content by adding mushrooms, peas, or sweet corn.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the soup just before serving for a creamy, indulgent touch.
- Make it Smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to add depth.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Dice the vegetables smaller for picky eaters, and reduce strong herbs for a milder flavor.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Side Breads: Serve with buttered rolls, cornbread, or a slice of sourdough for dipping.
- Wine Pairing: A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the soup.
- Dessert Idea: Follow up with a light dessert like fruit salad or a small serving of sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Pro Tips to Impress
- Double the Batch: This recipe is freezer-friendly, so making extra means you’ll always have a quick meal ready.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly, finishing the soup with fresh thyme or oregano elevates the presentation and aroma.
- Enhance the Broth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce for an umami boost.
Interesting Fact
Did you know? Soups like this were once called “peasant dishes” because they were created to maximize the use of inexpensive ingredients. Today, they’re celebrated worldwide as nutritious and versatile comfort food.
Conclusion
This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors to create a dish that warms the soul. Its versatility, simplicity, and nutritional value make it a go-to recipe for busy families, cozy nights at home, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to suit your tastes, this soup promises to deliver satisfaction in every spoonful.
Serve it with your favorite bread or enjoy it on its own, and you’ve got a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing comfort and joy to your table time and time again.