Hearty Veggie & Beef Soup for Cozy Days Recipe

Warm Up with Our Hearty Veggie & Beef Soup for Cozy Days Recipe

On chilly afternoons, my favorite hearty veggie & beef soup warms souls and brings comfort like a gentle embrace.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through my mind whenever I stir this delicious pot.

Robust vegetables and tender meat create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp carrots, tender beef chunks, and earthy herbs mingle in a rich broth that tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

Nourishing and simple, this recipe connects you to traditional cooking methods that celebrate fresh ingredients.

Each spoonful promises warmth and satisfaction during cool weather moments.

Come explore this soul-satisfying soup that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Veggie Beef Soup That Warms Up a Cold Day

  • Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Powerhouse: Packed with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and potatoes, this soup offers a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
  • Versatile Customization Option: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for ground turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking Approach: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef, frozen vegetables, and pantry staples to create a filling and delicious meal that won't break the bank, stretching your grocery budget effectively.

Veggie Beef Soup Ingredients

Main Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
  • Beef Broth: Provides deep meaty base and enhances overall soup flavor.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that builds foundational flavor profile.
  • Russet Potato: Starchy vegetable adding thickness and comforting texture.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and slight sweetness to the soup.
  • Frozen Vegetables: Quick and convenient mixed vegetables for added nutrition.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that deepens meat flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and subtle spiciness.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting other ingredients' flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking.

Veggie Beef Soup Cozy Prep

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a large soup pot and heat olive oil over medium flame.

Finely chop onions and mince garlic, then toss them into the pot.

Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot with sautéed onions and garlic.

Cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

If the beef looks extra greasy, feel free to drain excess fat for a lighter soup.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Chunks

Wash and peel russet potatoes.

Slice them into neat half-inch cubes, ensuring uniform cooking and beautiful texture in every spoonful.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in these ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes with their juices
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Step 5: Bring to a Rolling Boil

Increase heat to medium-high until the soup starts bubbling.

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer.

Allow potatoes to become fork-tender, typically around 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add Frozen Vegetables

Toss in your favorite frozen vegetable mix.

Return soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional five minutes, letting vegetables heat through and meld with other flavors.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt levels.

Start with a modest amount and gradually increase until the flavors sing.

This step transforms a good soup into an extraordinary meal.

Soup Prep Advice For Veggie Beef Bowls

  • Remove excess grease from ground beef to create a healthier, less oily soup without compromising flavor.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning to enhance the soup's savory profile and create a more complex taste experience.
  • Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce or your favorite vegetable blend to customize the soup according to your preferences.
  • Keep the heat at medium-low during simmering to prevent burning and allow ingredients to meld together smoothly, developing rich, harmonious flavors.

Keeping Veggie & Beef Soup Warm Again

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

Cozy Soup for Beef & Veggies

Perfectly Pair Hearty Beef & Veggie Soup With:
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the rich soup broth, adding delightful texture and extra comfort to each spoonful.
  • Wine Selection Magic: Choose a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the beef's robust flavor and cuts through the soup's hearty profile.
  • Crisp Side Salad Boost: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth, adding freshness and a zesty contrast to the meal's rich elements.
  • Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or grated Parmesan on top, melting slightly into the hot soup and enhancing the overall depth of savory flavors.

Veggie and Beef Soup Hearty Cooking Choices

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Friendly: Swap russet potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content. This variation keeps the soup hearty while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Check labels carefully to avoid any potential gluten contamination.
  • Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients except frozen vegetables to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hands-off meal preparation method.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, lean protein from beef, and provides essential nutrients. The mix of potatoes, mixed vegetables, and ground beef offers a balanced meal with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

  • What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) provides good flavor without excessive grease. If using higher fat content beef, simply drain the excess fat after cooking to keep the soup lighter.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

Consider adding beans like kidney or white beans, or include additional lean ground beef. You could also top the soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein boost.

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Hearty Veggie & Beef Soup for Cozy Days Recipe

Hearty Veggie & Beef Soup for Cozy Days Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warming Hearty Veggie & Beef Soup brings comfort and nourishment through each savory spoonful. Packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich broth, this soup offers a delicious embrace that satisfies both hunger and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 russet potato (about 0.75 pound or 12 ounces)
  • 12 ounces frozen vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans)
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and gently sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, cooking thoroughly and breaking it into small crumbles. Optional: drain excess fat for a leaner soup.
  3. Prepare russet potatoes by peeling and cutting them into uniform half-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
  4. Pour beef broth into the pot, then add diced tomatoes with their juices, creating a rich liquid base. Incorporate Italian seasoning, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to build depth of flavor.
  5. Elevate the heat to medium-high, bringing the soup to a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce temperature to medium-low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Introduce frozen vegetable medley into the simmering soup, stirring to distribute evenly. Continue cooking for an additional five minutes to warm vegetables and meld flavors.
  7. Conduct a final taste test, carefully adjusting seasoning with salt to enhance the overall taste profile. Start with a conservative amount and incrementally add until the soup reaches optimal flavor balance.

Notes

  • Optimize the beef’s flavor by using a cast-iron skillet to brown the meat, creating delicious caramelized edges that enhance the soup’s overall taste profile.
  • Reduce fat content by selecting lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the hearty texture.
  • Customize vegetable mix by using seasonal or leftover vegetables in your pantry, which helps minimize food waste and adds unique flavor variations to the soup.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by ensuring Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free and using gluten-free beef broth, allowing individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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