Quick And Zesty Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Its zesty and savory profile makes it ideal for family dinners or weeknight comfort food that comes together rapidly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in Italian stewed tomatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, uncooked noodles, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until noodles are cooked and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. To enhance the soup's taste, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This quick and zesty vegetable soup is perfect on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier lunch, pair it with a sandwich like the Cheesy Beef Pie. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Zesty Vegetable Soup contains roughly 1203 calories, with 30g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2332mg per serving (101% 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 vegetables instead of canned mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas can be used instead of canned. Just be sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender.
What can I do if I want a thicker soup?
To thicken the soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in, which will also create a smoother texture.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
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).