Description
Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients:
500g ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 can diced tomatoes (400g)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add diced tomatoes, both types of beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
7. Enjoy this comforting, nutritious soup!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof, flavorful soup. First, thoroughly brown the ground beef in your pot to develop a deep, savory base. After draining the fat, add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Next, incorporate the carrots, celery, and zucchini, allowing them to sauté for a full 5 minutes to slightly caramelize. This step builds complexity. Pour in the diced tomatoes, both beans, beef broth, and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. The soup is ready when the carrots are easily pierced with a fork. Finish by tasting and adjusting salt and pepper before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal on its own but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it with a thick slice of crusty bread or warm, buttered dinner rolls for dipping. For a lower-carb option, pair it with a crisp side salad. Topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, rich finish. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
How-to Summary
Brown beef, then sauté aromatics and vegetables. Add remaining ingredients (tomatoes, beans, broth, seasoning). Simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Lean ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are excellent substitutes for ground beef.
How can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first for best flavor. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it? Create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly. Diced potatoes, green beans, corn, or spinach are great additions. Add hearty vegetables with the carrots and leafy greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the browning step for the beef: This creates essential fond (browned bits) in the pot that adds immense flavor to the soup.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Simmer just until tender. Overcooked vegetables become mushy and lose their nutritional value.
- Not seasoning in layers: Season the beef while browning and again after adding the broth. Taste and adjust at the end.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the soup’s foundation. Use a good-quality, low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is the epitome of comforting, nutritious home cooking. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization, is forgiving for cooks of all levels, and provides satisfying meals throughout the week. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a robust, flavorful soup that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!