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When you need a comforting, filling, and budget-friendly meal, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with lean ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a mix of colorful vegetables, this one-pot recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also highly versatile, allowing you to use fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
This wholesome soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nourishing option for families. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or freezer meals.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Affordable Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and budget-friendly ground beef.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single pot.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Customizable: Swap out vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps maximize flavor and nutrition:
- Ground Beef (2 pounds): Provides a rich, meaty base. Opt for lean or extra-lean beef for a lighter version.
- Carrots & Celery: Add natural sweetness, crunch, and essential vitamins.
- Onion: Builds savory depth and enhances the broth’s flavor.
- Potatoes: Create heartiness and make the soup extra satisfying.
- Canned Vegetables (corn, green beans, peas): Convenient, shelf-stable, and quick. Fresh or frozen alternatives can also be used.
- Tomato Sauce & Crushed Tomatoes: Add richness, acidity, and body to the broth.
- Bay Leaf & Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse earthy, aromatic notes.
- Black Pepper: Balances the flavors with a gentle heat.
- Water: Adjusts the consistency to your preference.
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Variations and Customizations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add more vegetables or beans for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheesy Twist: Top the soup with shredded cheddar cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. This soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Is a Classic
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a timeless dish that brings together the best of comfort food and practicality. It’s an excellent way to feed a crowd or stretch ingredients while ensuring a balanced and nutritious meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or pairing it with a side salad, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Simply peel, chop, and simmer them before adding to the soup for a fresher flavor.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the canned ingredients and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Mix in potatoes, corn, green beans, peas (with liquid), tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Season with black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Add water if needed.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and enjoy with bread or crackers.
Notes
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