Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup – A Filling Comfort Food

This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is the perfect blend of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and tender rice, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a nourishing and satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours, making it ideal for any day of the week. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner or making a big batch for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup rice (long grain or brown rice)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Start by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and are easy to enjoy in each spoonful of soup.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Simmer the Soup
   Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and rice. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaf if using, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve
   Once the soup is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy this hearty and filling dish!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

• Comforting and Filling: This soup is packed with ground beef, rice, and vegetables, making it a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: The beef broth, combined with savory seasonings and tender vegetables, creates a flavor-packed soup that’s also full of nutrients.
• Simple and Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this soup can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily add other vegetables, such as green beans, zucchini, or potatoes, to make the soup your own.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef and Vegetable Soup

• Brown the Beef Properly: Make sure to brown the ground beef well for the best flavor. This step adds depth to the overall taste of the soup.
• Use a Hearty Rice: If you want a heartier soup, opt for brown rice instead of white rice, which adds more texture and nutrition.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include other veggies such as peas, corn, or spinach to boost the soup’s fiber and nutrient content.

Conclusion

This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is the perfect combination of savory beef, tender rice, and healthy vegetables, all in one comforting bowl. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing for the week ahead, this soup is a great choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and filling meal. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of delicious, homemade goodness!