Are you tired of mindlessly munching on candy bars and craving a hearty, nutritious meal that'll kick those sugar cravings to the curb? Look no further than this mouthwatering Vegetable Beef Soup - the secret weapon that transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed, soul-warming dish that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! In just over an hour, you'll create a comforting meal that's not just a soup, but a delicious strategy for healthier eating.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer the soup for approximately 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 blend) for maximum flavor and richness.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the beef develop a nice golden crust adds depth to your soup's flavor profile.
- For extra nutrition, consider using a mix of fresh seasonal vegetables instead of frozen.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or sprinkle in some cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or some grated Parmesan to elevate the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
