This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is packed with tender beef and colorful veggies. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days when you need a comforting bowl!
I love how you can throw in any leftover veggies you have. It’s like giving them a cozy home in a delicious soup! Plus, it smells amazing while cooking. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a rich flavor to the soup. If you prefer, you can use lean ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Both are excellent alternatives!
Broth: Beef broth brings depth to the soup, but you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you like. Homemade or store-bought works, just make sure it’s low-sodium for better control over salt levels.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, corn, or bell peppers are great additions! Fresh, frozen, or leftover veggies all work well.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but consider using small shells or even rice. If you’re gluten-free, swap in gluten-free pasta for the same excellent taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Tender but Not Mushy?
To get perfectly tender vegetables without turning them into mush, it’s important to balance cooking times. Start with the tougher veggies first (like carrots and potatoes) since they take longer.
- Cook those for about 20 minutes before adding quicker-cooking vegetables like green beans and peas.
- Once added, simmer uncovered. This helps keep everything nicely textured.
- Also, the cut size makes a difference! Keep them evenly chopped for consistent cooking.
Delicious Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Vegetable Beef Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This step really builds the flavor of your soup.
3. Combine the Base:
Pour the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) into the pot. Stir everything well so it all mixes together nicely.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, dried parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. The veggies will start to soften and add lots of flavors!
5. Simmer Away:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will give the vegetables time to become tender.
6. Add the Final Ingredients:
After 20 minutes, stir in the green beans, frozen peas, and elbow macaroni. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente and everything is heated through.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Every taste will help make it perfect!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot. If you like, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Vegetable Beef Soup!
This soup is not only filling but also versatile! Feel free to add in any other veggies you love, or even adjust the spices to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Substitutes for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian soup. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time! Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have! Zucchini, corn, or diced bell peppers work wonderfully. Just remember that different veggies may require different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta, as it can become mushy when thawed. Simply add cooked pasta when you reheat!