Less-Than-An-Hour Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup with ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and celery, seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal that can be prepared quickly and freezes well. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, offering robust flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large pot, draining excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and cook until softened.
- Stir in salt, ground pepper, and garlic salt to taste.
- Add undrained cans of tomatoes to the pot.
- Peel potatoes and cut into small cubes.
- Chop carrots and celery finely.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and celery to the soup.
- Simmer the soup for 45 minutes or more, until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground chuck with lentils or beans for a protein boost. You can also add any leftover vegetables you have on hand, making this a versatile dish. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using canned tomatoes that may vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad, like Orange Spinach Salad, for a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top can also enhance the flavors, making it a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters and stir halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Less-Than-An-Hour Vegetable Soup contains roughly 2044 calories, with 44g protein, 297g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (296% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), and iron (129% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2657mg per serving (116% 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 convenient substitute. Just add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure they heat through without becoming mushy. This can save you prep time and still yield a delicious soup.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup turns out too watery, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat gently on the stove or in the 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).