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Beef and Veggie Soup on Food Allergy Eats

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup: Your Ultimate Fall & Winter Comfort Food

As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup to bring a sense of coziness. Fall is synonymous with rich stews, savory chilis, and hearty soups, making it the perfect season to gather around the table for a nourishing meal. Recently, with the weather turning cooler, I found myself craving a classic—a robust beef and vegetable soup that truly embodies the spirit of comfort food.

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying a craving; it’s designed for efficiency and enjoyment. It yields a generous batch, enough to feed a small family for at least 4-5 days. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious, home-cooked meals ready to go throughout the week. Plus, any leftovers can be easily frozen, providing a convenient option for those busy days when you need a quick and wholesome dinner. A good soup day is truly the perfect way to kick off the cooler seasons!

Why This Beef & Vegetable Soup Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a spoonful of hearty beef and vegetable soup. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, offering both delicious flavor and essential nutrients. This recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a staple in any home kitchen:

• Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with lean ground beef and an abundance of fresh or frozen
  vegetables, this soup is a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It’s a balanced meal in
  one bowl.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this one-pot wonder is
  accessible for cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create something truly
  delicious.
• Economical: Utilizing budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef and frozen mixed vegetables
  makes this an affordable option for feeding your family without compromising on taste or quality.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer more potatoes, different vegetables, or a touch more spice,
  this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s easy to adapt to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Freezer-Friendly: Making a large batch means you can enjoy it for days, and freezing portions
  ensures you always have a comforting meal ready for busy weeknights.

From its savory broth to the tender chunks of beef and colorful array of vegetables, every spoonful is a delight. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste of home-cooked goodness.

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Created by:

Kristy Still

Beef and Veggie Soup

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Ingredients

• 1
  lb
  Ground Beef
  Cooked and Drained. Opt for
  leaner beef for a lighter soup.
• 1
  Cup
  Pasta
  Small shapes like shells,
  elbows, or spirals work best. For a gluten-free option, Tinkyada pasta is an excellent
  choice.
• 1 15
  oz
  Can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 10
  oz
  Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 14
  oz
  Can of Beef Broth
• 1/3
  Cup
  of Red Cooking Wine
  (optional, for depth of
  flavor, or substitute with more beef broth)
• 8
  Cups
  of Water
• 1
  Small Bag Frozen Mixed Veggies
  (peas, carrots, green beans,
  corn)
• 2
  Large Potatoes
  Peeled and cut into
  1-inch chunks (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 1
  Beef Bouillon Cube
  (or 1 tsp beef
  bouillon granules)
• 1
  Tsp
  of Dried Parsley
  (plus fresh for garnish,
  optional)
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
  To taste

Instructions

• Step 1: Brown the Beef. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef
  over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked,
  carefully drain off any excess grease, leaving just a small amount for flavor.
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients (Except Pasta). Add the browned and drained ground beef
  back to the pot. Then, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, red cooking wine (if
  using), water, frozen mixed vegetables, chopped potatoes, beef bouillon cube, and dried parsley. Stir
  everything together until well combined.
• Step 3: Simmer the Soup. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high
  heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30
  minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the vegetables,
  especially the potatoes, become tender. Check the potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork.
• Step 4: Cook the Pasta. In the last 5-10 minutes of the simmering time, stir in the
  uncooked pasta noodles. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente
  (firm to the bite) or to your desired tenderness. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows
  it to absorb the delicious broth flavors.
• Step 5: Season and Serve. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and
  freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch of
  freshness, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this hearty beef
and vegetable soup offers a wholesome meal:

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: High in lean protein, fiber, and vitamins from vegetables.
• Protein: Excellent source from ground beef.
• Fiber: Rich in fiber from various vegetables.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Contains essential nutrients from tomatoes, potatoes, and
  mixed vegetables.

For precise nutritional data, consider using a recipe calculator with your specific ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Soup

A delicious bowl of Beef and Vegetable Soup is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides can elevate the experience even further. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Classic Cornbread: As mentioned, a warm slice of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (or your favorite
  homemade cornbread) is an absolute must-have. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture offers a wonderful contrast
  to the savory soup.
• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A good crusty baguette or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up
  every last drop of that flavorful broth. Garlic bread is another fantastic option.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing
  element, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Toppings Bar: Set out a few topping options to let everyone customize their bowl. Think
  shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or extra
  fresh parsley.

Tips for Success & Variations

Making this soup is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure it’s absolutely perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from
  becoming mushy. If you plan to freeze portions, you might consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it
  when reheating, as pasta can get very soft after freezing and thawing.
• Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, sauté a chopped onion, celery, and carrots (a classic
  mirepoix) with the ground beef before adding the other ingredients. This step adds an extra layer of aromatic
  goodness.
• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Diced bell peppers, zucchini,
  spinach, or even kale can be excellent additions. Add hardier vegetables like carrots and celery with the
  potatoes, and softer greens like spinach in the last few minutes.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other
  seasonings. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the savory notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: As noted, Tinkyada is a great gluten-free pasta option. Ensure all other
  ingredients like beef broth are certified gluten-free if this is a strict dietary requirement.
• Make it Dairy-Free: This soup is naturally dairy-free if you omit any cheese or sour cream
  toppings.

Meal Prep & Storage

One of the best features of this Beef and Vegetable Soup is how wonderfully it lends itself to meal preparation and freezing. You can enjoy homemade comfort food even on your busiest days!

Refrigeration:

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if it has thickened.

Freezing Instructions:

This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for stocking your freezer with ready-to-eat meals:

1. Cool Completely: Ensure the soup is entirely cool before freezing. Freezing hot soup can lower
   the temperature of your freezer and affect other items.
2. Portion Out: Divide the cooled soup into individual or family-sized portions. This makes thawing
   and reheating much more convenient. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay
   them flat to freeze for easier storage.
3. Label and Date: Always label your containers or bags with the date and contents. Frozen Beef and
   Vegetable Soup can maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
4. Thawing and Reheating:
   • For best results, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Alternatively, you can gently reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring
     frequently, until thawed and heated through. Add a little extra broth or water if it seems too thick.
   • Microwave reheating is also an option for individual portions.

Having a stash of this comforting soup in your freezer means you’re always just a few minutes away from a warm, nutritious meal, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you need a quick pick-me-up.