Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make, look no further than vegetable beef soup. With tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is a classic favorite that’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
To make an easy vegetable beef soup, start by browning beef in a Dutch oven before adding onions and garlic. Then, add in your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, along with canned tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Let everything simmer together until the flavors meld and the vegetables are tender. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup
Making a hearty and delicious vegetable beef soup is easy with the right ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you need to make a tasty batch of soup:
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the base of this soup recipe. You can use lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference.
Onion
Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup. Yellow onions are the most commonly used variety for this recipe.
Carrots
Carrots are a great source of vitamins and add a nice crunch to the soup. Be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Potatoes
Potatoes add a hearty texture to the soup. Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe as they hold their shape well when cooked.
Green Beans and Peas
Adding green beans and peas to the soup gives it a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is the liquid base of the soup. You can use canned broth or make your own by simmering beef bones and vegetables.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the soup. Be sure to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Garlic
Garlic adds a bold and savory flavor to the soup. Be sure to finely chop it so it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes add a rich and tangy flavor to the soup. You can use diced or crushed tomatoes depending on your preference.
Cabbage and Kale
Cabbage and kale are optional ingredients that add a nutritious boost to the soup. Be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Celery
Celery adds a nice crunch and subtle flavor to the soup. Be sure to chop it into small pieces so it cooks evenly.
Other Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, or canned corn depending on your preference.
By using these ingredients, you can make a delicious and nutritious vegetable beef soup that you and your family will love.
Nutrition Facts
If you are looking for a hearty and healthy soup, Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a great option. It is packed with vegetables and protein, making it a nutritious meal. Here are the nutrition facts for one serving (1 cup) of Easy Vegetable Beef Soup:
- Calories: 227
- Total Fat: 11.04g
- Saturated Fat: 4.338g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
- Sodium: 239mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17.01g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugars: 3.45g
- Protein: 15.5g
This soup is a good source of protein, providing 31% of your daily value. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, providing 10% of your daily value. The soup is relatively low in sodium, with only 10% of your daily value. However, it is important to note that the soup does contain a significant amount of saturated fat, with 22% of your daily value.
If you are watching your calorie intake, one serving of Easy Vegetable Beef Soup provides 11% of your daily value. The soup is also a good source of vitamin C, providing 20% of your daily value. It contains small amounts of calcium and iron, but is a good source of potassium, providing 10% of your daily value.
Overall, Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal option. It is low in sodium and high in protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
Preparation Method
To make an easy vegetable beef soup, you will need a few ingredients and a dutch oven or large pot. Here’s how to prepare it:
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Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Once the meat is browned, add in 1 diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
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Next, add in 1 can of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 6 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Add in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.
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Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together and the vegetables will cook through.
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After 30 minutes, add in your frozen vegetables. You can use a pre-made mix or your own selection of vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaves and serve your delicious and easy vegetable beef soup hot. Enjoy!
With this simple preparation method, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in no time. The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup. The addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. And the use of a dutch oven or large pot ensures that you have enough room to cook all the ingredients together.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is ready, it’s time to think about how you want to serve it. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your meal:
Serving Size
This recipe makes about six servings, so make sure to adjust the ingredients if you need to feed more or fewer people. You can also freeze any leftovers for later.
Salad
A simple green salad is a great accompaniment to this soup. Try tossing some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette and some sliced cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Dinner Rolls
Warm, crusty dinner rolls are the perfect way to round out this meal. You can make your own from scratch or pick up a package of pre-made rolls from the grocery store.
Fresh Parsley
Garnish your soup with some fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Simply chop up a handful of parsley leaves and sprinkle them over the top of each serving.
Green Onions
Chopped green onions are another great garnish option. They add a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup. Simply slice up a few green onions and sprinkle them over the top of each serving.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Storage and Freezing
Once your easy vegetable beef soup is cooked and ready to eat, you may have leftovers that you want to store for later. Here are some tips to ensure your soup stays fresh and delicious:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches the desired temperature.
- It’s important to note that potatoes and pasta may not freeze well and can become mushy when reheated. If you want to freeze your soup but have added these ingredients, consider removing them before freezing and adding them back in when you reheat the soup.
- If you plan on meal prepping this soup, it’s best to wait to add the pasta until you’re ready to eat it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy when reheated.
- Overall, this easy vegetable beef soup is a great meal prep option as it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated quickly for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Variations and Shortcuts
If you want to switch up the flavors in your Easy Vegetable Beef Soup, there are many variations you can try. Here are some ideas:
- Taco Soup: Add a packet of taco seasoning, a can of black beans, and a can of corn to the soup. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
- Cabbage Soup: Replace the mixed vegetables with chopped cabbage and add a can of diced tomatoes. Cook until the cabbage is tender.
- Potato Soup: Replace the mixed vegetables with diced potatoes and add a cup of milk at the end for a creamy texture.
- Beef Stew: Replace the beef stew meat with a chuck roast and add diced potatoes and carrots. Cook on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker for a hearty meal.
- Macaroni: Add a cup of uncooked macaroni to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a classic comfort food.
If you’re short on time, here are some shortcuts you can take:
- Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh to save time on chopping.
- Use beef stew meat instead of a chuck roast for a quicker cooking time.
- Use a slow cooker to cook the soup on low for 8 hours while you’re at work or running errands.
With these variations and shortcuts, you can customize your Easy Vegetable Beef Soup to fit your taste preferences and schedule.
Special Dietary Considerations
If you have special dietary considerations, you can still enjoy this easy vegetable beef soup recipe with a few modifications. Here are some tips to help you make the soup fit your needs:
Calorie Needs
If you are watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the recipe by using lean beef and reducing the amount of oil used. You can also reduce the amount of potatoes and add more vegetables to increase the fiber content. Using low-sodium broth and canned vegetables can also help reduce the overall calorie count.
Medically Restrictive Diet
If you have a medically restrictive diet, such as a low-sodium or low-fat diet, you can adjust the recipe accordingly. Use low-sodium broth and canned vegetables, and trim the fat from the beef before cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce the fat content.
ESHA Research Database
If you need to track your nutrient intake, you can use the ESHA Research database to analyze the recipe and adjust it to fit your needs. You can enter the recipe ingredients and serving size to get a detailed analysis of the nutrient content, including calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Overall, this easy vegetable beef soup recipe can be modified to fit a variety of dietary needs. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious soup that meets your specific requirements.
Pairings and Complements
When it comes to serving Easy Vegetable Beef Soup, there are many options for pairings and complements. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic accompaniment to soup, and it pairs perfectly with the flavors of the beef and vegetables in this recipe. You can serve it on the side or crumble it into the soup for added texture. To make your cornbread even more delicious, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapeños to the batter.
Rice
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving Easy Vegetable Beef Soup over a bed of rice. This will add some extra substance to the dish and make it more filling. Brown rice is a healthy option, but you can also use white rice or another type of grain if you prefer.
Salad
To balance out the richness of the soup, consider serving a simple side salad with your meal. A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette dressing would be a refreshing complement to the warm and savory soup.
Bread
If you’re a bread lover, a crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough bread would be a great addition to your meal. You can use it to soak up the broth or simply enjoy it on its own.
Wine
For a more sophisticated dining experience, consider pairing your Easy Vegetable Beef Soup with a glass of red wine. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Pinot Noir would be excellent choices to complement the flavors of the soup.
Overall, there are many options for pairings and complements when serving Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. Whether you choose cornbread, rice, salad, bread, or wine, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of vegetable beef soup?
There are many variations of vegetable beef soup, and you can customize it to your liking. Some popular variations include adding different vegetables such as celery, green beans, or corn. You can also add different herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or rosemary to enhance the flavor. For a heartier soup, you can add pasta, rice, or barley. You can also switch up the meat and use ground beef, stew meat, or even leftover roast beef.
How can I add more flavor to my vegetable beef soup?
To add more flavor to your vegetable beef soup, you can start by browning the meat before adding it to the soup. This will add depth and richness to the broth. You can also sauté the vegetables in the same pan to build flavor. Adding tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why does my vegetable beef soup lack flavor?
If your vegetable beef soup lacks flavor, it could be due to not using enough salt or seasoning. Browning the meat and vegetables before adding them to the soup can also help to build flavor. Another reason could be that the soup needs to simmer for longer to allow the flavors to meld together.
What ingredients are typically used in a beef vegetable soup?
Typical ingredients in beef vegetable soup include beef, vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes, canned tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Some recipes may also call for celery, green beans, or corn.
How can I make a thick and hearty vegetable beef soup?
To make a thick and hearty vegetable beef soup, you can add more vegetables or starches like potatoes or pasta. Another option is to use a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat, to thicken the soup. To make a roux, melt butter in a separate pan, add flour, and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the roux to the soup while stirring constantly until it reaches your desired thickness.
What are some tips for making vegetable beef soup in a crockpot?
When making vegetable beef soup in a crockpot, it’s best to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables beforehand to build flavor. You can also add all the ingredients to the crockpot in the morning and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. To make the soup thicker, you can add less liquid or use a cornstarch slurry.
