Vegetable soup with ground beef is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Combining the richness of ground beef with the flavors of fresh vegetables, this soup recipe is both hearty and healthy. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making the best vegetable soup with ground beef. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal during cold weather or a nutritious dish to feed your family, this recipe will satisfy your needs.

Ingredients for Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef

To create a flavorful and wholesome vegetable soup with ground beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (400g)
• 4 cups of beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These ingredients create a balanced vegetable soup with ground beef, ensuring a rich taste and a variety of textures. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or spices according to your preference.

Instructions to Prepare Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Browning the beef adds a rich flavor to the vegetable soup and ensures the meat is fully cooked before adding the vegetables. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This forms the base flavor for the vegetable soup with ground beef.

Next, add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. The combination of these aromatic vegetables gives the soup a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the ground beef.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Vegetables

Once the carrots and celery are softened, add the diced potatoes, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir the vegetables well to combine them evenly. These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide essential nutrients, making this vegetable soup with ground beef a healthy meal option.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to introduce the liquids. Add the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and stir in the tomato paste. The tomato paste adds richness to the broth, while the diced tomatoes give the vegetable soup a slight tanginess that complements the ground beef.

Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring everything together. The broth serves as the foundation for the soup and allows all the flavors to meld together as it simmers.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Season the vegetable soup with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and ground beef. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, but remember that a well-seasoned soup is key to achieving a satisfying depth of flavor.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Once all the ingredients are in the pot, bring the vegetable soup with ground beef to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

As the vegetable soup simmers, you can check the consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer, allowing the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more broth.

Step 7: Add the Ground Beef Back to the Pot

Once the vegetables are fully cooked and the broth is flavorful, add the browned ground beef back into the pot. Stir well to combine the meat with the vegetables and broth. Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the ground beef to absorb the flavors of the soup.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your hearty and nutritious vegetable soup with ground beef is now ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that enhances the dish.

This vegetable soup with ground beef can be served on its own as a complete meal, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. The warm, comforting flavors make it an ideal dish for cold evenings or when you’re craving something healthy and filling.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef

• Use fresh vegetables: The fresher the vegetables, the more flavorful and nutritious your vegetable soup will be. If you have access to farm-fresh produce, it will elevate the taste of the soup.
• Don’t skip browning the beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the soup deepens its flavor and gives the soup a richer taste.
• Customize the vegetables: While this recipe includes potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and green beans, you can swap or add vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season. For instance, bell peppers, peas, or spinach can make great additions to your vegetable soup.
• Freeze for later: This vegetable soup with ground beef freezes well. If you make a large batch, you can freeze portions in airtight containers and enjoy it later. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick and healthy meal.
• Experiment with herbs: While thyme and basil are classic choices, you can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves to change the flavor profile of your soup.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef

This vegetable soup with ground beef is packed with essential nutrients. The ground beef provides protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The variety of vegetables used in the soup provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal.

• Ground beef: Rich in protein and iron, ground beef is a great source of energy and helps in maintaining muscle mass.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, supporting good vision and a healthy immune system.
• Potatoes: Provide carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy, and also contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.
• Zucchini and green beans: Low in calories but high in vitamins and fiber, these vegetables are great for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vegetable soup with ground beef is a hearty, nutritious, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of fresh vegetables and savory ground beef ensures a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and healthy.

By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious vegetable soup with ground-beef that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a big batch for meal prep, this vegetable soup is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Enjoy your vegetable soup with ground-beef, and don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make it your own!