Simple Vegetable Beef Soup

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of  Simple Vegetable Beef Soup. 

Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this comforting dish is a must-have for chilly nights or anytime you crave something nourishing.  Whether you're cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy-to-make soup will become a go-to favorite!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Hearty & Nutritious:  Loaded with protein-rich beef and an array of colorful vegetables, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.  
• Easy to Make:  Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. 
• Budget Friendly:  Uses affordable ingredients that stretch into multiple servings, making it great for meal planning.  
• Freezer Friendly:  Make a big batch and freeze portions for a quick, comforting meal on busy days.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound Ground Meat
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 stalks of Celery, diced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 4 Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (12 oz) bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables 
• 6 cups Beef Broth
• 1 can of Tomato Soup
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Brown the Beef:  Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add ground beef and cook until brown and no longer pink.  
2. Sauté the Aromatics:  Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic.  Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.  
3. Build the Broth:  Add the beef broth, tomato soup, Italian Seasoning, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and  Worcestershire Sauce.
4. Add Vegetables:  Add the potatoes and frozen vegetables.  Cover and let cook for 30-40 minutes.  
5. Taste & Serve:  Remove the bay leaf.  Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.  Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.  

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Use a Slow Cooker:  Cook the ground beef, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours. 
• Make it in an Instant Pot:  Use the sauté function to cook the ground beef, then add the remaining ingredients.  Pressure cook on HIGH for 20 minutes with a natural release.  
• Customize the Veggies:  Swap in whatever you have on hand for the veggies.  You can even use fresh.  
• Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or Parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds depth.  
• Thicker Soup:  Mashed up some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.  

FAQs:

Can I use stew meat instead of ground meat?  Yes!  Brown the meat first and cook the 40 minutes in the broth.  

How do I store leftovers?  Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.  

What's the best way to reheat this soup?  Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1 minutes intervals stirring in between.  

This Simple Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food.  Easy, budget friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients.  Whether you make it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, it's sure to be a hit!  Give it a try and let us know how you love to customize it in the comments below.  And are you craving more cozy recipes?  Check out my other hearty soup recipes for more delicious inspiration!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~