Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Introduction

Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a hearty meal that’s easy to make and very satisfying. This soup combines tender ground beef with fresh vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something comforting.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm and nutritious meal to feed your family, this Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a great choice. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. It’s a perfect way to use leftover veggies and gives you a warming bowl of goodness.

How to Make Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup potatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup onion, diced small
1 can whole kernel corn (sweet)
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
1/3 cup tomato sauce
2 cups water (for soup consistency)
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Additional tomato sauce or bouillon to taste (if needed)

Directions:

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the grease that is released. This step is important to make sure your soup is not greasy.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. This means the onion gets soft and turns clear. It adds great flavor to the soup.
Pour in 2 cups of water and add the tomato sauce and chicken bouillon. Stir well to combine everything. The tomato sauce adds color and flavor, while the chicken bouillon gives it a nice base.
Taste the mixture; if needed, add more bouillon and tomato sauce to your preference. Don’t be afraid to adjust things based on what you like!
Add the chopped potatoes and corn to the pot, mixing everything well, and then cover the pot. This keeps the heat in and helps the potatoes cook faster.
Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. If the soup is too thick or evaporates too quickly, add more water.
Once the potatoes are cooked through, the soup is ready to serve. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired. Add just a pinch of salt at a time, so it doesn’t become too salty!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Some people like to top it with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy!

How to Store Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days. To enjoy it later, just reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat.
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans for more nutrition.
If you like a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.

Variation (If Any)

You can make this soup with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Also, if you prefer a creamy soup, consider adding a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.

2. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Make sure to cool it completely before pouring it into freezer-friendly containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. What can I add to make it more filling?
You can add pasta or rice to make the soup heartier. Just cook them separately and stir them in before serving.