Busy Day Vegetable Soup
A hearty, vegetable-packed soup with ground beef, rice, and fresh flavors, perfect for busy days and family dinners, offering comfort and nutrition in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced raw potatoes ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cabbage (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- dash of MSG (optional) ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pan.
- Add sliced raw potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, diced celery, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, chopped cabbage (if using), salt, black pepper, sugar, optional MSG, and garlic to the pan.
- Cover the pan and simmer slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the soup's flavor, consider browning the ground beef with minced garlic for added depth. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or chickpeas. You can also use leftover cooked rice instead of uncooked rice for a quicker prep. Adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; this recipe is flexible. For a twist, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Busy Day Vegetable Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Meat Roll-Ups for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, top each bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This soup is also great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting dish throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Vegetable Soup contains roughly 515 calories, with 9g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% 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 other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use sausage for a spicier flavor. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may brown or cook at varying rates.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can work well. You can also use a combination of tomato paste and water to achieve a similar consistency. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed since different tomato products can vary in flavor.
Is this soup freezable?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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).