Vegetable Beef Soup
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This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for chilly days and family gatherings, it’s filled with fresh veggies and tender beef. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🍲✨
why make this recipe
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a favorite for many reasons. It’s nutritious, delicious, and can be tailored to your taste. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and barley gives it a satisfying texture. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs. Perfect for meal prep or cozy evenings, this soup can be made in advance and heated up whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
how to make Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (cooked and drained fat)
- 46 oz tomato juice
- 46 oz water (use tomato juice can to measure)
- 1 Tablespoon better than beef bouillon – or 3 bouillon cubes
- 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
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
"This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free."
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (if needed)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until fully browned, then drain the fat. 🥩
- In a 6-quart stockpot (or larger), combine all the ingredients: tomato juice, water, bouillon, mixed vegetables, cubed potatoes, salt, dry onion, sugar, pepper, basil, bay leaves, barley, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Give it all a good stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. 🔥
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
- After an hour, remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning. Adjust if necessary. 🥄
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of soup!
how to serve Vegetable Beef Soup
Serve your Vegetable Beef Soup in bowls, topped with some fresh parsley or with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping! It’s great for lunch or as a warming dinner option.
how to store Vegetable Beef Soup
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the containers for expansion during freezing! ❄️
💡 Pro Tips
- Meal Prep: This soup freezes well; make a double batch and enjoy later!
- Veggie Options: Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, corn, or green beans work beautifully.
- Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a little more barley.
- Hosting: This soup is perfect for gatherings; serve it in a big pot and let guests help themselves!
Variation
For a different twist, try adding some Italian seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A1: Absolutely! Just chop up your favorite fresh veggies, and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q2: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Simply omit the barley or use a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.
Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?
A3: Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
