Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty flavor and protein to the soup.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the soup.

Carrots: Contribute sweetness and a tender texture.

Potatoes: Make the soup heartier and more filling.

Corn kernels: Add a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch.

Green beans: Provide a fresh, crisp texture.

Beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup.

Diced tomatoes: Add acidity and a rich tomato flavor.

Dried basil: Infuses the soup with a sweet, herbal note.

Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice, caramelized flavor. This will add depth to your soup. Additionally, when adding the onion and garlic, be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Cooking the vegetables for a few minutes before adding the broth helps to release their natural sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and add a hearty texture to the soup.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the soup's taste.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a more delicate and sweet flavor compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience and a similar flavor.

• diced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the other vegetables.

• diced carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different texture and a hint of sweetness to the soup.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower provides a low-carb alternative with a similar texture when cooked.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with turnips: Turnips offer a slightly peppery flavor and can be used in place of potatoes.

• corn kernels - Substitute with peas: Peas provide a similar sweetness and pop of color to the soup.

• corn kernels - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: A mix of vegetables can add variety and similar flavors to the soup.

• green beans - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini adds a different texture and mild flavor to the soup.

• green beans - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli provides a nutritious and hearty alternative to green beans.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth offers a lighter flavor while still providing a savory base.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option that maintains the soup's flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar flavor and consistency to diced tomatoes.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used for a smoother texture and similar flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme provides a different but complementary herbal note.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used for a slightly different but still savory flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano and can be used interchangeably.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to the soup.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the soup.

• Allow the ground beef vegetable soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup fresh.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the soup's quality.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a simmer. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Always check the soup for any off smells or unusual textures before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  3. Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, then stir the soup.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the soup is hot throughout.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbling.
  4. Stir halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 2-3 hours, or until the soup is thoroughly heated.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. This method is perfect for when you have time and want to keep the soup warm for an extended period.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the leftover soup in the top pot of the double boiler.
  3. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot throughout.
  4. This gentle heating method helps prevent the soup from scorching or sticking to the pot.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the soup. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients and allow them to simmer comfortably.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ground beef, vegetables, and soup to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Knife: A knife is necessary for chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the carrots, potatoes, and green beans.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and dicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are needed to measure out the vegetables and beef broth accurately.

• Can opener: A can opener is required to open the can of diced tomatoes.

• Colander: A colander is useful for draining any excess fat from the browned ground beef.

• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Stove: A stove is necessary for cooking the soup, from browning the beef to simmering the final mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are needed to measure out the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare all vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.

Use frozen vegetables: Substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones to cut down on prep time.

Batch cook ground beef: Cook and freeze ground beef in portions for quick use in future recipes.

Instant pot option: Use an Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time.

Pre-made broth: Use store-bought beef broth instead of making it from scratch.

One-pot cooking: Minimize cleanup by using a single pot for the entire recipe.