Title: Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup (Comforting, Hearty, and Delicious)
Looking for a cozy, comforting soup that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is the answer! This soup combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth to create the perfect meal for cold days or when you just need something hearty and satisfying. Best of all, it’s simple to make, requiring minimal prep time but delivering big on taste. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
Ingredients Needed for Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or stew beef, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 6 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions for Making Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- To the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, green beans, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes) and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, and oregano, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Add Optional Vegetables:
- If using, add the frozen corn and peas during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Stir to combine and cook until heated through.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the vegetables are tender and the soup is well-seasoned, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Easy Vegetable Beef Soup:
- Use Stew Beef: For a heartier, chunkier soup, Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies you can use stew beef instead of ground beef. Just brown the beef first, then simmer the soup longer (about 1-1.5 hours) until the beef is tender.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, green peas, or even spinach, to suit your taste.
- Thickening the Soup: If you like a thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher or an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the soup.
- Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup:
This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s loaded with tender beef and a variety of nutritious vegetables, all cooked together in a rich and flavorful broth. It’s the kind of soup that fills you up and warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly days or as a cozy dinner option. Plus, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to fit your preferences.
Health Benefits of Vegetables in Soup:
This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. Vegetables are great sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting overall health. The lean beef in the recipe adds a good source of protein, making this soup both filling and nourishing. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy