Spicy Vegetable Soup
A hearty, flavorful vegetable soup with ground beef, tender potatoes, cabbage, and mixed vegetables, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for warming up on cold days or feeding a family, this dish combines robust flavors with wholesome ingredients for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck and minced garlic in a Dutch oven.
- Cook over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Drain the meat in a colander and pat dry with paper towels.
- Wipe pan drippings from the skillet with paper towels.
- Return the meat to the Dutch oven, then add tomato juice, water, cabbage, potatoes, celery, green pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the Dutch oven and reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Cover and cook for an additional 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a thicker soup, puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor; simply add them before serving for a fresh touch. You can also adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light A-B-C Salad for a refreshing contrast. For added comfort, top each bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This soup is also delightful when served alongside Baked Spareribs Aloha for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Vegetable Soup contains roughly 117 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 907mg per serving (39% 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 frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces and cook them until tender in the soup. You can use fresh carrots, peas, or corn for a vibrant flavor and texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh veggies may require a little less time than frozen.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Just be sure to start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better the next day. Prepare a large batch and divide it into portioned containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly, as mentioned in the storage section, to maintain its freshness.
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).