Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

This Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful ground beef. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s simple to make and sure to be a family favorite. The blend of fresh and frozen vegetables, along with savory seasonings, creates a rich and satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups water
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh or frozen cut green beans
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Cook the Base Vegetables:

• In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, carrots, onion, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

1. Add Remaining Ingredients:

• Add the green beans, tomato juice, cooked ground beef, corn, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves to the saucepan.
• Stir well to combine all ingredients.

1. Simmer the Soup:

• Cover the pan again and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through and the flavors have melded together.

1. Final Touch:

• Before serving, discard the bay leaves.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Tips:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Ground Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy this easy-to-make, nourishing Vegetable Beef Soup that’s perfect for any occasion, offering comfort and great taste in every bite!