This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender vegetables, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or more to taste)
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 2–3 small potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped celery
- 1 cup (130 g) chopped carrots
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 ½–2 cups (360–480 ml) water or broth, more as needed
- 1–2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons chili powder, to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, more to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Add the Vegetables and Base:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, celery, and carrots. Add the Rotel, tomato sauce, and 1 1/2–2 cups of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.
3. Season and Simmer:
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, chili powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amount of water or broth to your desired consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Add more water or broth as needed.
4. Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for added crunch and nutrients.
Cooking Tips
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra chili powder.
- Use beef broth or chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- To save time, dice the vegetables ahead of time or use pre-chopped ones.
Nutritional Benefits
- Ground beef: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Vegetables: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds flavor with minimal calories.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free.
- Can be made low-carb by omitting the potatoes or substituting with cauliflower.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
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- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable to your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
- A family-friendly dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
Conclusion
This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, filled with savory flavors and hearty textures. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making a big batch for meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and warm up with a bowl of this satisfying soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. - What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers are great additions. - Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. - How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a hot sauce of your choice. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, dice fresh tomatoes and add them with a bit of tomato paste for richness. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. - Can I substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness to the soup. - How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture. - What can I use instead of Rotel?
Substitute with a can of diced tomatoes and add chopped green chiles separately. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the ground meat with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.