Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup to Warm Your Soul

Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the hearty world of Vegetable Beef Soup—a timeless classic that’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to any mealtime. Trust me, this one’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I can barely think straight—let alone whip up something nutritious for the family. I promise you, this recipe packs a punch in flavor and simplicity. Plus, while it simmers away, you can catch up on those little ignored household tasks (like remembering that plants need water too!). If you’re keen on diversifying your soup repertoire, don’t miss our cousins in comfort food over at breakfast potatoes recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe

There are countless reasons to love vegetable beef soup, but let me share my top picks. First, it’s genuinely a one-pot wonder. There’s minimal cleanup—which is heaven sent—so you don’t have to spend ages scrubbing multiple pans. The ground beef adds a flavorful depth, while the tomato juice and spices mingle to create rich savoriness without being overwhelming. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply need a bowl of comfort, this soup’s your guaranteed pick-me-up. And let’s not forget the nutrition part: it’s loaded with veggies, meaning you get fiber and essential nutrients with every slurp.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 46 oz tomato juice
• 46 oz water
• 1 tablespoon better than beef bouillon
• 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
• 4 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon minced dry onion
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• 2 bay leaves
• ⅓ cup barley
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-step instructions

Brown the beef

Start by browning your ground beef. Pop it in a large skillet, get it nice and browned, then drain the fat. Nobody needs that extra grease hanging around.

Combine ingredients

In a trusty 6-quart stockpot, combine the beef with all other ingredients. Yep, that’s right! Throw in the tomato juice, water, bouillon, and that delightful mix of veggies and spices. The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Simmer away

Once at a simmer, let it do its thing for at least an hour. It’s in this golden hour that those flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup you won’t soon forget. Just remember to remove those bay leaves before serving—they’re great for flavor but not great to munch on!

Serve

After removing the bay leaves, ladle this vegetable beef soup into bowls and serve warm. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a cozy blanket and settle in with a bowl.

Recipe tips & variations

For a thicker consistency, consider adding a couple more tablespoons of barley. It gives the soup a lovely texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the ground beef for cooked shredded beef roast for a heartier bite. Want a bit of kick? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do wonders. This soup freezes like a dream—so if you’re like me and love leftovers, you’re in luck!

Storage & reheating

To store, let the soup cool down to room temperature and transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll last in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop it into the freezer where it can grace your table up to 3 months later. When reheating, it’s best to let frozen soup thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming it up on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they might take a little longer to soften.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap out the beef bouillon for a vegetable one and omit the ground beef. You can add mushrooms for a meaty texture.

3. What can I serve with vegetable beef soup?

A warm crusty bread or a side salad complements the soup beautifully. It’s hearty enough on its own too!

4. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Ensure your beef bouillon and any other added seasonings or sauces are gluten-free. Swap out barley for quinoa or rice as a gluten-free substitute.

Recipes you may like

• Crescent roll breakfast recipes
• Breakfast pizza recipe
• Another comfort classic

And there we have it—a cozy, delicious reunion in the form of vegetable beef soup. Here’s to easy nights and full bellies! Enjoy every comforting bite and let me know how it goes. Feel free to leave a comment below or share a picture of it on Instagram!

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