Ground Beef Vegetable Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Comfort Food

 

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with vegetables, lean ground beef, and savory broth, this soup is a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a must-try.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, diced (optional)
• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop Vegetables: Dice all vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Set them aside.
2. Measure Spices: Pre-measure the thyme, basil, paprika, and salt to streamline the cooking process.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Fat: If necessary, drain any excess grease from the pot, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for flavor.

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Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its flavor.

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Step 4: Build the Soup Base

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and 1 cup of water if the soup needs more liquid.
2. Season: Add the thyme, basil, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

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Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. Hard Vegetables First: Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. These require more cooking time than softer vegetables.
2. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the harder vegetables are tender.

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Step 6: Add Remaining Vegetables

1. Corn, Peas, and Zucchini: Stir in the corn, peas, and zucchini. These cook quickly and should only need 5-7 minutes to become tender.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
2. Ladle into Bowls: Spoon the soup into individual bowls.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

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Tips for Success

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as cabbage, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Use Lean Ground Beef: Choose ground beef with a lower fat content to keep the soup lighter and healthier.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure the broth and tomato paste are gluten-free if needed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
2. Versatile: You can adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
3. Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, simple ingredients, this soup is a cost-effective meal option.
4. Meal Prep-Friendly: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors, colorful vegetables, and tender beef make it a crowd-pleaser. With this detailed guide, you’ll have a delicious pot of soup ready to warm you up and nourish your body. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite side for a complete dining experience!