If you're on the hunt for a comforting, hearty meal that warms the soul and satisfies the family, look no further than Sara's Ground Beef Vegetable Soup! This delightful American classic combines savory ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. With just a little prep time and a simmer on the stove, you can whip up a pot of this delicious soup that yields six generous servings. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a nourishing meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 3 diced potatoes, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion, dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Now, add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices), beef broth, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss them in when you're ready to cook!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Green beans, corn, or bell peppers can be great additions!
- Beef Broth Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, use homemade beef broth if available, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the pot.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have the time; the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.
- Thicker Soup Option: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to achieve your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a pop of color and added flavor!
- Store Leftovers Wisely: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg