Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. It's perfect for a comforting family meal, offering a balance of protein and vegetables with a rich tomato and herb flavor profile. Ideal for those who enjoy wholesome, satisfying soups.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 3 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. powdered thyme ⓘ
- 3 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 head cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 15 oz. can red beans (undrained) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add water, beef bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme to a Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then add sliced carrots, chopped cabbage, rice, tomato sauce, and red beans.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef with minced garlic or diced bell peppers. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed veggies can save prep time without sacrificing taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to add more herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top. This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Ensure it’s heated through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup contains roughly 615 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), iron (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2114mg per serving (92% 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 beans in this soup?
Absolutely! While red beans add a nice texture and flavor, you can substitute them with kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using dried beans, as they require longer to soften.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and onion first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for protein. Replace beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon and use additional vegetables or beans to create a hearty texture. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and filling soup!
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).