Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe - Made with Fresh Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are craving a warm and satisfying meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of beef with a variety of vegetables to create a delicious and nutritious soup that the whole family will love.

History

Vegetable Beef Soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include a wide variety of ingredients, depending on personal preferences and regional influences. This soup is often made with a combination of beef, vegetables, and broth, creating a flavorful and filling meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp cooking oil
0.5 lb (227 g) lean ground beef
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can whole tomatoes, broken up, with juice
10 oz (283 g) frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup onions, chopped
4 cup water
1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp ground thyme

How to prepare

1. Heat cooking oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add ground beef.
2. Cook the beef until it is browned and crumbly. You can drain the excess fat and return the beef to the pot, if desired.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer slowly, adjusting the heat as necessary.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still firm.
6. Serve the dish with crackers, rolls, or sandwiches.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or barley for a heartier soup.
Use different vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, consider adding herbs and spices such as garlic, thyme, or bay leaves.

- For a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture before adding the liquid ingredients.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked beef or leftover roast beef instead of browning ground beef.

- For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetable Beef Soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavor of the soup.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and delicious broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

- Substitute fresh vegetables for frozen if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Vegetable Beef Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vegetable Beef Soup in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Vegetable Beef Soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a green salad, crusty bread, or cornbread. For a complete meal, serve the soup with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Vegetable Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Vegetable Beef Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Vegetable Beef Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves had just started to turn their brilliant shades of red and gold, and there was a chill in the air that made me crave something warm and comforting. I had been rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for inspiration, when I stumbled upon a faded, hand-written note from my dear friend Margaret.

Margaret was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals with ease and grace. She had a way of making even the simplest dish taste like a gourmet feast. So when I saw her recipe for Vegetable Beef Soup, I knew I had to give it a try.

The ingredients were simple and wholesome: beef stew meat, carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, canned tomatoes, and a medley of herbs and spices. But it was Margaret's special touch that made all the difference. She had a knack for balancing flavors and creating dishes that were both comforting and satisfying.

I followed the recipe to a tee, browning the beef in a hot skillet until it was golden and caramelized. The smell of seared meat filled the kitchen, mingling with the earthy aroma of chopped onions and garlic. I added the carrots and celery next, letting them sweat and soften before tossing in the potatoes and tomatoes. A sprinkling of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves added depth and complexity to the broth, while a generous pinch of salt and pepper brought everything together.

As the soup simmered on the stove, the flavors melded together, creating a rich and hearty broth that was both savory and sweet. I couldn't wait to ladle it into bowls and savor the first spoonful.

The first taste was like a warm hug from an old friend. The beef was tender and flavorful, the vegetables were soft and sweet, and the broth was rich and aromatic. I couldn't believe how something so simple could taste so divine.

I served the soup with a crusty loaf of homemade bread, the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of broth. My family gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up with anticipation as they took their first bites. The soup was a hit, disappearing quickly as everyone went back for seconds and thirds.

From that day on, Margaret's Vegetable Beef Soup became a staple in our household. I made it for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and even special occasions. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my dear friend and the joy she brought into my life through her delicious recipes.

Years passed, and Margaret's recipe became a cherished tradition, passed down from generation to generation. My children learned to make it, and now my grandchildren are mastering the art of simmering a pot of soup on the stove.

I often think back to that autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, and I am filled with gratitude for the friendship and camaraderie that food can bring. Margaret may no longer be with us, but her memory lives on in every spoonful of Vegetable Beef Soup that I cook.

As I sit here, stirring a pot of the fragrant soup on the stove, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have come from Margaret, but the love and joy that it brings to my family are all my own. And for that, I am forever grateful.