Hearty Beef Soup
Hearty beef soup combines tender ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs in a thick, flavorful broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 can beef bouillon
- 3 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 cans Italian tomatoes (1 lb 12 oz. each)
- 1 cup red cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 package beef Rice-A-Roni (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large kettle, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until soft.
- Stir in beef bouillon, boiling water, Italian tomatoes, red wine, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add rice and frozen mixed vegetables.
- Simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve hot; this soup makes 10 to 12 servings and freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can replace dried Italian herbs for a fresher taste. This hearty beef soup can be adjusted to include your favorite vegetables or beans for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Biscuit Sloppy Joes for a fun twist on comfort food. Consider garnishing each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef Soup contains roughly 68 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned Italian tomatoes?
Yes, you can definitely substitute fresh tomatoes for canned. Use about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Just be aware that fresh tomatoes may result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so adjust seasoning as needed.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You could also mix in some diced jalapeños or bell peppers for a flavorful kick that complements the beef well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).