Easy Vegetable Beef Soup 🥣
Overview:
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup lives up to its name, offering a delightful combination of hearty flavors that require minimal effort. Found in a cherished church cookbook, this recipe has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved staple in families for years. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this soup not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides comfort and warmth with each spoonful. As with all soups and stews, it even improves in flavor when enjoyed as leftovers the next day, making it a versatile and practical addition to any meal rotation.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Recipe Category: Meat
- Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Less Than 60 Minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Whole kernel corn | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Rotel Tomatoes | 2 cans (10 oz each) |
| Tomato juice | 2 cups |
| Beef bouillon cubes | 1-2 cubes |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
- Ensure that the vegetables are washed and chopped as necessary.
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Cooking:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pan with the beef, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor in the soup. 🧅🥩🥬
- If desired, drain any excess grease from the meat mixture to reduce the fat content of the soup, ensuring a lighter and healthier dish without compromising on taste.
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Combining Ingredients:
- Once the beef and vegetables are cooked to perfection, add the remaining ingredients to the pan.
- Include the whole kernel corn, Rotel tomatoes (for that extra kick of flavor and spice), and tomato juice, which form the base of this hearty soup.
- To enhance the savory profile of the soup, dissolve one or two beef bouillon cubes in the mixture, infusing it with rich umami notes that complement the beef and vegetables beautifully. 🌽🍅🥫
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Simmering:
- Allow the soup to simmer gently over low to medium heat for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together harmoniously. 🕒
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, releasing enticing aromas that will tantalize your senses and beckon you to the kitchen. 🔥🥄
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Serving:
- Once the soup has reached its desired consistency and the flavors have developed to perfection, it’s time to serve.
- Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, filling them with generous portions of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and luscious broth. 🍲
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, elevating the presentation and adding a burst of herbal flavor. 🌿
- Serve the Easy Vegetable Beef Soup alongside crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm both body and soul. 🥖🥗
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Storage:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to further develop and intensify over time.
- Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. ♻️
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 400.8
- Total Fat: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 58.6mg
- Sodium: 1959.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.7g
- Sugar: 11.8g
- Protein: 25.9g
Tips and Tricks:
- For a leaner option, use lean ground beef or turkey and trim any visible fat before cooking.
- Customize the soup to suit your taste preferences by adding extra vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- To make the soup even heartier, stir in cooked pasta, rice, or barley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Freeze any leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick and convenient meals on busy days. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Experiment with different variations of this recipe, such as substituting chicken for beef or adding beans for extra protein and fiber.
With its simplicity, robust flavors, and comforting appeal, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing joy and nourishment to all who gather around the table. Enjoy the warmth and love that this soup embodies with every spoonful, savoring the memories it creates with each delicious bite. 🍲❤️
