Classic Beef And Veggie Soup
Warm up your kitchen with a hearty bowl of Classic Beef and Veggie Soup! This comforting recipe combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of mixed vegetables, all simmered together in a rich tomato base.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
With just a handful of ingredients, including the option for a spicy kick from hot sauce, it’s a family-friendly dish that promises to satisfy everyone at the table. Get ready to enjoy a comforting classic that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Classic Beef and Veggie Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, making it a beloved choice for many. Here’s why people will fall in love with this recipe:
Hearty and Satisfying: With generous amounts of ground beef and potatoes, this soup is filling and nourishing, making it an ideal meal for those seeking comfort and sustenance, especially during colder months.
Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of browned beef, onions, and the tangy tomato base creates a robust and savory flavor profile. The addition of seasonings like garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce enhances the taste, making each spoonful a flavorful delight.
Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with a variety of mixed vegetables, this soup not only offers a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet but also provides a well-rounded meal with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients all in one bowl.
Easy and Straightforward Preparation: With simple instructions and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. It requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Customizable to Taste: This soup is highly adaptable to personal preferences. You can adjust the amount of seasoning, vary the vegetables, or add more hot sauce for an extra kick, allowing you to tailor the dish to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: As the primary protein source, ground beef adds a hearty and savory element to the soup. Its rich flavor provides a robust base, making the soup both filling and satisfying.
Onion: Chopped onions are sautéed with the beef, imparting a sweet and aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile. They enhance the savory notes of the soup, creating a well-rounded taste.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes contribute a comforting, starchy element that thickens the soup and adds a creamy texture. Whether you choose to keep the skins on or off, they offer substance and heartiness.
Condensed Tomato Soup: This ingredient serves as the flavorful and tangy base of the soup. It provides a rich tomatoey backdrop that ties together the flavors of the beef, onions, and vegetables.
Mixed Vegetables: A bag of mixed veggies introduces a variety of colors, textures, and nutrients, making the soup nutritious and balanced. Common vegetables used include peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential for enhancing the soup’s flavor. Optional additions like hot sauce can provide a spicy kick, allowing you to customize the soup to your liking.
Classic Beef And Veggie Soup
Ingredients:
3 lbs ground beef (we like beef in this house lol)
a chopped onion
two diced potatoes (skin on or off)
a large can of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup
two empty can fulls of water
a bag of mixed veggies
salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
(I also added about 5 tbsp of crystal hotsauce to mine)
Instructions:
Cook beef with potatoes and onions until browned on medium high heat,
Drain grease,
Add tomato soup and water,
Add veggies,
Season to taste and let simmer until veggies are tender after bringing soup to a boil.
Notes:
Ground Beef Options: You can use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Carrots, peas, corn, or green beans all work well in this soup.
Potato Prep: Leaving the skin on the potatoes adds extra nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Cut them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook through.
Tomato Soup Substitute: If you want to make the soup from scratch, you can replace the condensed tomato soup with crushed tomatoes and add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Spices and Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding herbs like oregano or basil can enhance the flavor, and you can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more depth.
Simmering Time: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Just ensure the veggies are tender but not mushy.
Storage Tips: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 3g | Sodium: 800
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef if you prefer a lower-fat option.
It’s a versatile recipe, and you can adjust the meat according to your preferences.
Is it necessary to drain the grease after cooking the beef?
It’s recommended to drain the excess grease for a lighter and less oily soup.
This step helps control the overall fat content of the dish.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned tomato soup?
While you can use fresh tomatoes, the canned tomato soup provides a concentrated flavor and thickness to the soup.
If substituting, consider adjusting the liquid content and seasoning accordingly.
Are there alternative vegetables I can use in the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences.
Carrots, celery, peas, or green beans are excellent additions.
What is the purpose of adding hot sauce to the soup?
Adding hot sauce is optional and can enhance the soup’s flavor with a spicy kick.
Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
How long should I let the soup simmer for the best flavor?
Simmering allows the flavors to meld.
Aim for at least 20-30 minutes after bringing the soup to a boil.
Longer simmering can intensify the taste.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats well, and making it ahead of time can enhance the flavors.
Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Whether you peel the potatoes is a personal preference.
Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and texture, but peeling is fine if you prefer a smoother consistency.
What other seasonings can I use besides salt, pepper, and garlic powder?
Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for added depth.
Seasonings like cumin or paprika can also complement the flavors.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Freeze for up to three months, and thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.