Super Simple Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup with ground beef and V-8 juice, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners seeking comfort and simplicity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- Mix the browned beef and garlic salt with V-8 juice and mixed vegetables in a crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some onions and bell peppers before adding them to the crock-pot. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils or beans. You can also enhance the soup with herbs like thyme or oregano, which would complement the V-8 juice nicely. For a heartier dish, add diced potatoes or barley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetable soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches or can be topped with shredded cheese for extra richness. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside dishes like Jenny'S Chili for a comforting dinner that showcases American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover vegetable soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Simple Vegetable Soup contains roughly 66 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (110% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add great flavor and texture to your soup. Just be sure to chop them into small, even pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they become tender. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini work particularly well in this recipe.
Is it possible to freeze the soup?
Yes, this vegetable soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes to taste. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more if needed, to ensure you achieve your desired level of spice.
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).