Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Name: Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 cups water; 3 large carrots, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 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; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 bay leaves

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with a medley of nutritious vegetables and flavorful beef. The Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup combines tender potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn with savory ground beef in a tomato-based broth, creating a perfect balance of heartiness and flavor.

Whether looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to warm you up on a chilly day, this vegetable beef soup hits all the right notes. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also straightforward to make with minimal ingredients and maximum results. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious soup.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups water
3 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
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
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 bay leaves

This combination of fresh vegetables, savory seasonings, and beef creates a rich, wholesome soup that’s sure to be a family favorite.

How to Make the Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Prepare the Base

Start by preparing the base of the soup. Combine the potatoes, water, carrots, onion, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to start blending. Once the water begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. This slow simmering process helps soften the potatoes and carrots, infusing the broth with their natural sweetness and creating a comforting base for the soup.

2. Add the Vegetables and Beef

Once the vegetables in the base are tender, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the green beans, tomato juice, ground beef, corn, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the rich, savory flavor of the soup. The green beans add freshness, the tomato juice brings acidity and body, and the ground beef adds protein and heartiness. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder infuses the broth with warm, aromatic flavors, while the bay leaves add a subtle depth to the overall taste.

3. Simmer and Combine the Flavors

Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined, and the flavors meld together beautifully. As the soup simmers, the vegetables soften further, and the ground beef absorbs the rich tomato and herb flavors. You’ll have a perfectly balanced, comforting soup when it’s done. Don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaves before serving, as they’re only used to add flavor during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable beef soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad. For added freshness and flavor, you can also top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Leftovers are equally delicious the next day, making this soup a great option for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

Recipe Notes

Freezing and Storing: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, peas, or bell peppers would greatly add to this soup. Just make sure to adjust the simmering time based on the tenderness of the vegetables you add.
Beef Substitutes: If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even cubed steak for a different flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Meat-based

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 8g
Cholesterol: 38mg
Sodium: 680mg
Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Brown the ground beef beforehand to enhance the flavor.

Q: Can I use different types of meat in this soup?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage can be used for a unique flavor twist.

Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added heartiness. You can also use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a different base.

Q: Can I freeze leftover vegetable beef soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes very well. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What are good side dishes to serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with cornbread for a hearty meal.

Q: Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
A: Yes, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or even barley to this soup for added texture and substance. If you choose to do so, cook the grains separately and stir them in just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s simple enough for weeknight cooking and hearty enough to satisfy you. Try it out today and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!