Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

This Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with wholesome vegetables, savory beef, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups fresh or frozen cut green beans
4 cups tomato juice
1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
4 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 bay leaves
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Peel and cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion, and prepare the green beans. If using frozen vegetables, you can thaw them before adding them to the soup.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

To the pot with the cooked ground beef, add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, green beans, corn, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour in Liquid:

Pour in the tomato juice and water, ensuring that the vegetables are fully submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add additional water to cover the vegetables.

5. Simmer:

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Adjust Seasonings:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

7. Serve:

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

1. Beef Options:

Feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced stew beef instead of ground beef for a variation in flavor.

2. Additional Vegetables:

Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, celery, bell peppers, or spinach.

3. Make it Vegetarian:

Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the soup.

This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a wholesome and delicious meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. With its hearty combination of tender vegetables, savory beef, and aromatic seasonings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy

Cook’s Notes:

1. Vegetable Options:

Don’t hesitate to swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Consider adding diced tomatoes, peas, celery, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

2. Beef Variation:

Instead of ground beef, you can use leftover cooked roast beef or steak. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup along with the other ingredients.

3. Slow Cooker Method:

To make this soup in a slow cooker, follow steps 1 and 2 as directed. Then, transfer the cooked ground beef and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.

4. Freezing Instructions:

This soup freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Crusty Bread:

Serve the Vegetable Beef Soup with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls for a satisfying and comforting meal.

2. Garnishes:

Enhance the presentation and flavor of the soup by garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

3. Cheesy Topping:

For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese over the hot soup just before serving. The melted cheese adds richness and a delicious finishing touch.

Healthier Options:

1. Leaner Protein:

Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content of the soup while still enjoying the protein boost.

2. Low-Sodium Broth:

Choose low-sodium or reduced-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the soup, especially if using canned tomato juice.

3. Whole Grains:

Add cooked barley, quinoa, or brown rice to the soup for added fiber and nutrients, making it even more satisfying and nutritious.

With these additional tips and serving suggestions, you can elevate your Vegetable Beef Soup to new heights of flavor and versatility. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or as a comforting meal for a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Enjoy every spoonful of this wholesome and nourishing dish!