Italian Vegetable Soup
Italian Vegetable Soup offers a hearty, flavorful mix of ground beef, vegetables, and savory herbs, making it perfect for comforting family dinners or meal prep. Rich in tomato and vegetable flavors, it balances heartiness with freshness, appealing to those seeking a satisfying and nutritious homemade soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 large can V-8 juice ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1.5 cups mixed vegetables (frozen) ⓘ
- 4 cups water
- 5 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large heavy kettle; drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions, diced celery, sliced carrots, minced garlic, V-8 juice, tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, water, beef bouillon cubes, parsley flakes, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
- Add chopped cabbage and macaroni to the soup.
- Bring to a boil again and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- If desired, add additional water or broth for a thinner soup.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the soup simmers. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Fresh vegetables like zucchini or green beans can also be added for variety. Pair this with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. If you have leftovers, they make a great filling for stuffed shells or baked lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Italian Vegetable Soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside Grandma Lee'S Meat Balls. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or for meal prepping 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 if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Vegetable Soup contains roughly 455 calories, with 14g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), and iron (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% 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 in this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasonings accordingly, especially if using sausage, as it can be more flavorful.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein, making it a hearty option without meat.
Can I freeze this vegetable soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm 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).