Autumn Vegetable Beef Soup
A hearty autumn vegetable beef soup packed with tender vegetables and lean ground beef, perfect for cozy family dinners and wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a large saucepan.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add potatoes, tomatoes, pepper, water, celery, sweet basil, garlic powder, thyme, carrots, chives, bay leaf, and salt.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine while simmering. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef if you want a lighter option. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance the dish, while frozen vegetables can be used if fresh ones are unavailable. This recipe is versatile and can fit into many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner. You can also serve it alongside a Cheese Stuffed Hamburger Roll for a delightful twist. Garnish with fresh chives before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Autumn Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 587 calories, with 16g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (337% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (174% of the Daily Value), and iron (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 472mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, or corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so that all the vegetables cook evenly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. You could also serve the soup with a dash of hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is ideal for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and flavors often deepen after a day. Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).