Hearty Beef Garden Vegetable Soup the Ultimate Comfort Food

Hearty Beef & Garden Vegetable Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where only your nan’s cooking will do? Well, ground beef vegetable soup is my answer to that! Honestly, this isn't just any soup, it is proper comfort in a bowl.

What’s the Deal with This Soup?

This classic ground beef vegetable soup is like a big hug from the inside. Originating as a humble, family friendly meal, it’s evolved into a global comfort food.

It's super easy to make (I reckon even a student could manage it!), taking about an hour start to finish.

One batch feeds 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

This soup is not just delicious; it is good for you too! It's packed with veggies so a nutritional powerhouse.

Perfect for a cold evening or when you're feeling a bit under the weather. The recipe for ground beef vegetable soup is special.

I think it tastes like home and childhood. I remember my mum made it on a tuesday night always.

Right then, let's get this situation sorted!

It’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in your fridge. Think of it as your personal vegetable medley.

This easy ground beef soup is also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables before they go off. Now, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we? I guarantee you will get a very beefy vegetable soup with this recipe.

Let's talk soup ingredients

• For the Soup Base:
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil
  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 8 cups (approx. 2 liters) Beef Broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
• For the Vegetables:
  • 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks, diced
  • 1 cup Frozen Green Beans
  • 1 cup Frozen Corn Kernels
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas
  • ½ cup Small Pasta
• Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese

Get Ready to Make the Best Hearty Beef & Garden Vegetable Soup Ever!

Right then, let's get this ground beef vegetable soup situation sorted, shall we? Forget boring dinners. This easy ground beef soup is the real deal. So, grab your apron and let's cook!

Ingredients Breakdown for Homemade Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Okay, right then , let's dive into ingredients!

Main Players: The Soup Base

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil. Any kind is fine, really.
• 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef . Aim for an 80/20 blend. It adds flavour, you know? Brown the beef properly!
• 1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped. About 1 cup/150g .
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced. Around 2 tsp/6g . Fresh is best, yeah?
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs. Oregano, basil, thyme work too.
• ½ tsp Salt. Season to your own taste.
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper. Freshly ground is a treat.
• 8 cups (approx. 2 liters) Beef Broth. Low sodium is better.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes. Undrained! Approx. 400g .
• 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce. Approx. 225g .

Veggie Medley: For a Healthy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

• 2 medium Carrots, diced. 1 cup/120g .
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced. 1 cup/100g .
• 1 cup Frozen Green Beans. Approx. 100g .
• 1 cup Frozen Corn Kernels. Approx. 150g .
• 1 cup Frozen Peas. Approx. 100g .
• ½ cup Small Pasta. Ditalini or elbow macaroni. Approx. 50g . Don't overcook the pasta!

Seasoning and Flavour Boosters

This is where the beefy vegetable soup magic happens!

• Essential spice combinations: Italian herbs are your friend!
• Flavour enhancers and aromatics: Garlic and onion? Obvious!
• Quick substitution options: Dried herbs for fresh, always works.

Equipment Essentials

Only the basics here! No need to overcomplicate things.

• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven. Essential!
• Cutting board. For chopping.
• Chef's knife. A good one makes life easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
• Ladle. For serving up that delicious comfort food soup recipe !.

Remember, substitutions are fine. A big pan works instead of a stockpot!

That's it! You're Ready!

Now you're armed with all the ingredients and tools needed to make an unforgettable pot of minced beef vegetable soup .

It's easier than you think. Seriously! Get ready for a tasty meal and don't forget to enjoy every step of this one pot ground beef vegetable soup journey.

Bon appétit!

Hearty Beef & Garden Vegetable Soup: Prep Like a Pro

Okay, right then, let's get this ground beef vegetable soup situation sorted, shall we? It's all about getting your ducks in a row before you even think about turning on the hob.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way in this recipe.

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, chop all your veg. Dice two medium carrots and two celery stalks. Mince two cloves of garlic.

Open your cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Gather one cup of frozen green beans, one cup of frozen corn kernels, and one cup of frozen peas.

Measure half a cup of small pasta, like ditalini. Having everything prepped prevents a mid-cooking meltdown.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, I'm all about shortcuts. You know? Whilst the beef is browning, chop your onion. Use frozen veg straight from the freezer no need to thaw.

Get your spices measured into a small bowl before you start. Every little helps, as they say. This easy ground beef soup will come together super quick.

Safety Reminders

When browning the beef, watch out for splatters. Be careful handling a hot stockpot. And don't forget to wash your hands before and after handling raw meat. Simple things, but essential.

step-by-step to a Stunning Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Right, let's get cooking! This hearty beef and vegetable soup is easier than you think.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat one tbsp of olive oil in your large stockpot over medium high heat. Chuck in one lb of ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened about 5 minutes .
3. Season and Add Base: Stir in one tsp dried Italian herbs, half tsp salt, and a quarter tsp black pepper. Pour in eight cups of beef broth, one can of diced tomatoes, and one can of tomato sauce. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer & Add Harder Veg: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes . Add your diced carrots and celery. Simmer for another 10 minutes , until slightly softened.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in your frozen green beans, corn, peas, and half a cup of pasta.
6. Cook Through: Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender about 10- 15 minutes . This beefy vegetable soup is almost ready.

Pro Tips for Champion Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Want to elevate your ground beef vegetable soup game?

• Don't overcook the pasta: Add it later in the cooking process to prevent mushiness. I learned this the hard way. Once ended up with soup that tasted like baby food.

• Enhance the flavour: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a great depth. Add a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of flavour.

This comfort food soup recipe is even better the next day. It's great for meal prep. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Recipe Notes for Top-Notch Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Right then, let's get this situation sorted, shall we? Here are some handy tips to make this ground beef vegetable soup recipe a total winner! Honestly, this easy ground beef soup is practically foolproof.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

Okay, so presentation matters, right? For a proper comforting bowl, ladle the hearty beef and vegetable soup into your favourite bowl.

Swirl a dollop of sour cream on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look very cheffy! Crusty bread for dipping is a must! I love a cheeky cheese toastie on the side too.

It's great with a grilled cheese sandwich . It complements the soup nicely or pair it with a simple green salad.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

This beefy vegetable soup is brilliant for meal prep. Once it's cooled completely, bung it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Fancy freezing it? No problem. Just portion it out. Use freezer safe containers, of course. It'll keep for up to 3 months .

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then gently heat it on the hob until piping hot. Remember, always make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) when reheating, just to be safe! I love homemade ground beef vegetable soup

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Got dietary needs? Swap the pasta for gluten-free.

Use lentils instead of minced beef vegetable soup for a vegetarian version. Seasonal swaps? In autumn, butternut squash would be lovely.

Spring? Add asparagus. Easy peasy!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This one pot ground beef vegetable soup is surprisingly good for you. It's packed with protein from the beef. Loads of vitamins from the veggies.

Plus, fibre keeps you feeling full. It's roughly 250-300 calories per serving . Do check the nutritional information. Okay, Let's try and make this healthy ground beef vegetable soup and give it that extra something.

Wrapping up!

So there you have it! Loads of ways to make this ground beef vegetable soup with pasta your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun in the kitchen! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ground beef vegetable soup ahead of time? Does it freeze well?

Absolutely! In fact, many would argue that this soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavours have had more time to meld together. Ground beef vegetable soup also freezes brilliantly. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion.

It will keep for up to 3 months.

What vegetables work best in ground beef vegetable soup, and can I use fresh instead of frozen?

This recipe is pretty flexible! The classics like carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and peas are always a good bet. But feel free to chuck in other veg you fancy potatoes, zucchini, or even some shredded cabbage would be lovely. And yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables instead of frozen.

You might just need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're cooked through.

How can I make my ground beef vegetable soup even more flavourful?

Ah, now you're talking! For a richer flavour, make sure you brown the ground beef well before adding the other ingredients. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf during simmering adds depth, like a secret ingredient only you know.

Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning, too a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Is this ground beef vegetable soup recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Yes, it can be part of a healthy diet! This ground beef vegetable soup is packed with protein from the beef and fibre and vitamins from the vegetables. Using a lean ground beef and low-sodium broth helps keep the fat and sodium content down. It's proper good for you, innit!

What's the best way to store leftover ground beef vegetable soup?

Storing leftovers is a doddle! Simply let the soup cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will keep for 3-4 days. Make sure it's properly chilled before you tuck in again. That way, you'll have lunch sorted for the next few days, easy peasy.