Welcome to a bowl of pure comfort! Our Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is everything you crave on a chilly day. Packed with tender potatoes, vibrant carrots, fresh green beans, sweet corn, and seasoned ground beef, this is a soup that checks every box. The tomato-based broth provides a rich, hearty flavor, while the blend of vegetables adds a nourishing element, making it a balanced and filling meal for all. Whether you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner or a cozy meal for the weekend, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Here’s everything you need to know to make this delicious vegetable beef soup from scratch!
Why This Vegetable Beef Soup is a Must-Try
The beauty of this vegetable beef soup recipe lies in its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and comfort, ideal for those days when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The minimal prep time, combined with its nutritious and versatile nature, means you can enjoy this soup throughout the week. It’s a family favorite and an excellent option for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier as leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this best-ever easy vegetable beef soup, we’ve chosen ingredients that not only taste great but also provide a variety of nutrients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups of water
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of fresh or frozen green beans, cut
- 4 cups of tomato juice
- 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
- 4 cups of fresh or frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding heartiness to providing flavor, making this soup both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Start with the Soup Base
In a large saucepan, combine the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This step allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness, infusing the broth with a rich, comforting flavor.
Once the water begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This process ensures that the potatoes and carrots become soft and flavorful, forming a solid base for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Key Ingredients for Depth of Flavor
After the vegetables have softened, it’s time to enhance the soup with more textures and flavors. Stir in the fresh or frozen green beans, tomato juice, cooked ground beef, and corn. Adding these ingredients in stages ensures that each component retains its unique flavor and texture.
In addition to the vegetables and meat, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Each seasoning brings a layer of depth, with Italian seasoning adding an aromatic blend of herbs and garlic powder enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors meld together, and the broth thickens slightly. This simmering phase allows the green beans to soften while the ground beef soaks up the rich, savory flavors of the tomato-based broth. Before serving, don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaves, as they’ve done their job infusing the soup with flavor.
Tips to Make Your Vegetable Beef Soup Extra Special
Our vegetable beef soup recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or prefer.
1. Experiment with Additional Vegetables
Add some variety by including other veggies, such as zucchini, peas, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the tenderness of these vegetables to keep the texture balanced.
2. Make It Heartier with Grains
For a thicker soup, try adding cooked pasta, rice, or barley. Cook these grains separately and stir them into the soup just before serving to avoid them absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
3. Garnish for Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese can make a world of difference. These garnishes add a burst of flavor and visual appeal, making your soup even more inviting.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup
This vegetable beef soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and delicious outcome, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. It’s a great choice for families or anyone who appreciates wholesome, comforting food that’s also easy to make.
Health Benefits of Vegetable Beef Soup
Aside from being delicious, this soup is packed with health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what each main ingredient brings to the table:
- Potatoes: High in potassium and fiber, they add substance to the soup, making it filling and nutritious.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins, carrots support immune health and add natural sweetness.
- Green Beans: A great source of vitamins A and C, they provide antioxidants and contribute a refreshing crunch.
- Corn: High in fiber and carbohydrates, corn adds a hint of sweetness and heartiness.
- Ground Beef: Packed with protein and iron, it makes the soup more filling and satisfying.
- Tomato Juice: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, it adds depth and acidity to the broth.
Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a balanced, nourishing meal that will keep you feeling satisfied.
Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this easy vegetable beef soup is that it keeps well. Here’s how to store and reheat it for best results:
- Storage: After cooling, transfer the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
Our Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a dish you’ll come back to time and again. Not only is it satisfying and packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly easy to customize. Perfect for family meals or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather around the table, savor the rich flavors, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal made with love.