Easy Soup
A hearty and comforting beef and vegetable soup that combines savory flavors with tender vegetables and a savory broth. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot until fully cooked.
- Add diced potato, carrot, celery, onion, stewed tomatoes, vegetable soup mix, water, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic and herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the simmering stage. For a healthier twist, swap ground beef for turkey or use canned beans instead of beef for a vegetarian option. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition. This soup works well as a base for variations similar to Hamburg Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with corn muffins or even grilled cheese sandwiches. For a bit of spice, offer hot sauce on the side. Consider topping individual bowls with fresh parsley or grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Soup contains roughly 243 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 490mg 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 frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Simply add them to the pot with the other ingredients. They will cook through as the soup simmers, making this a convenient option for a quick meal.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the diced potatoes against the side of the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water) during the simmering process. This will give it a heartier texture.
What can I substitute for stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can be used as substitutes. You can also add a splash of tomato sauce or paste to achieve a similar flavor profile, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
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).