A Deliciously Tasty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a bowl of good old-fashioned vegetable soup. When you add ground beef, you’ve got a truly special supper. The origins of vegetable soup can be traced back to ancient times, being found in a 5th century Roman cookbook. The recipe used onions and cabbage.
It gained popularity in the United States when the people of Appalachia used whatever veggies were on hand at the time, to create a filling, healthy, yet inexpensive meal. They called it country or winter soup, as it was popular during the cold winter months.
Over time, folks began adding whatever meat was on hand to add to the heartiness. At the time, ground beef was popular because it was inexpensive and plentiful. Today, vegetable soup is popular pretty much everywhere, especially in cooler climates.
Some people shy away from making ground beef vegetable soup because they feel it’s bland. Well, no worries here, we’ve got a healthy, hearty recipe that’s loaded with super ingredients that are sure to spice up your soup. Read on for a deliciously tasty ground beef vegetable soup recipe.
A Deliciously Tasty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Total: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Servings; 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 4 celery ribs, diced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 can of kernel corn
- 1 can of green beans, drained
- 1 can of peas, undrained
- 1 – 15 ounce of tomato sauce
- 1 – 14 ounce of crushed, whole tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of lime or lemon
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Crumble the ground beef into a large stick pot over a medium high heat; cook and stir until the beef is fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain the liquid.
2. Stir in the carrots, onions, celery, and cabbage. Stir until the veggies are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the corn, potatoes, green beans, drained peas, crushed whole tomatoes, tomato sauce. Then season with the bay leaf, black pepper, thyme, garlic, lemon or lime, soy sauce, and smoked paprika.
4. Pour in the beef broth and mix all the ingredients well.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook for about an hour. Stir often. Add some water if the soup seems too thick.
6. Serve and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 598
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 71 grams
- Protein: 37 grams
- Sodium: 1153 milligrams
- Fiber: 14 grams
- Vitamin C: 57 milligrams
- Calcium: 187 milligrams
- Iron: 7 milligrams
- Potassium: 2042 milligrams
What Can You Do With Your Leftover Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?
Now, of course, you can just enjoy your leftover soup on its own. But, if you have too much, or are just in the mood to try something new, here are a few ideas.
- Use it as a cooking fluid for rice or quinoa.
- Put it in a casserole to layer the flavor.
- Add it to pasta water for a great tasting dish.
- Make a pasta sauce with it.
How Long Will Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Last?
Ground beef vegetable soup will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you don’t plan on eating it by then, it can be frozen for up to 6 months and maintain its freshness. Whatever you decide, make sure you place it in an airtight container.
Does Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Have Health Benefits?
This soup is not only delicious, but it’s good for you too. It’s high in fiber, but low in fat and calories, so it can aid in weight loss, when combined with other activities. The fiber content also helps promote digestion.
Vegetable soup is also a good source of fluids, and, like chicken soup, can help relieve cold symptoms. The high calcium content helps to promote bone strength.
Not the least of the benefits is that it’s chock full of antioxidants, which help boost the immune system, help fight various diseases, and improve the appearance of the skin.
Can You Add Other Things To Your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?
At the end of the day, this is your soup. Feel free to add or substitute whatever you like. However, you may want to add one or more of the following:
- mushrooms
- shallots
- sweet potatoes
- cauliflower
- chili powder
- bell pepper
- chives
- curry powder
- bacon bits
- quinoa
- elbow macaroni
- flax seed
What Can You Serve With Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?
Ground beef vegetable soup makes for a filling and easily portable lunch, as well as part of a multi-course dinner. It can be paired with just about anything from salads to other hot dishes. Here are a few ideas on what to serve with it.
1. Eggplant Parmigiana
If you want to impress and delight guests, eggplant parmigiana is a perfect pairing for vegetable soup. So many fun flavors all in one meal.
2. Grilled Cheese
This iconic comfort food is quick and easy to make for any occasion. Its especially great if you’re not feeling well.
3. Green Salad
A green salad is perfect if you want to keep things light and healthy.
4. Potato Salad
For a refreshing option that’s bound to cool you off if the soup is too hot, try some yummy home-style potato salad.
5. Shrimp And Avacado Salad
Give your dinner a classy tropical feel with this delicious seafood salad. Just add some cilantro, lime, and some celery. The flavors will layer perfectly with your soup.
6. Buttermilk Biscuits
Nothing goes better with soup than some flaky warm biscuits. Add some butter, dip them in the soup. There’s no wrong way to enjoy a biscuit.
7. Ravioli
Whether you choose cheese, spinach, or any other filling, raviolis go very well with soup. Have them on the side with a little sauce, or just add them right to your bowl.
8. Quinoa
Keep that tasty nutrition vibe going by adding some healthy quinoa to the table. Add the herbs and spices of your choice to complete it.
