
Nourishing Beef and Vegetable Soup – A Delicious, Comforting Bowl of Goodness
Craving a comforting and hearty meal that will keep you full and satisfied? This Nourishing Beef and Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish to cozy up with. Packed with lean ground beef, a variety of fresh vegetables, and rice, all simmered together in a savory broth, this soup is both filling and flavorful. It’s an easy-to-make, nourishing recipe that will become a favorite for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or your choice of meat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup rice (white, brown, or wild 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 basil
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure the vegetables cook evenly and easily in the soup. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried basil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. - 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 are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step helps develop the soup’s flavors. - Simmer the Soup
Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and rice. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaf (if using), cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. - Enjoy
Serve this delicious, hearty soup hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the comforting and nourishing flavors in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Nourishing Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Hearty and Filling: With ground beef, vegetables, and rice, this soup is a complete meal in itself, offering plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Flavorful and Nutritious: The savory broth, seasoned beef, and vibrant vegetables come together for a nutritious, comforting dish.
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe comes together quickly and is great for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add more vegetables, such as zucchini, peas, or corn, or swap out the rice for quinoa or barley for a different twist.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Use Brown Rice for Extra Nutrition: Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice, making the soup even more filling.
- Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and store it in airtight containers for an easy meal later on.
Conclusion
This Nourishing Beef and Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish for any time you want something warm, hearty, and full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s ideal for busy families and those who want to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal. Packed with ground beef, tender rice, and fresh vegetables, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Make it today and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!