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Let me share my family's favorite soup recipe that never fails to warm us up on chilly days. This hearty vegetable beef soup comes together in under an hour and it's packed with tender ground beef lots of veggies and the most amazing broth. I love having a pot of this simmering on the stove it just feels like home.
Why You'll Love This Soup
Every spoonful gives you perfectly seasoned broth tender beef and colorful veggies. It's one of those recipes that's both satisfying and nutritious. Plus it makes enough for leftovers perfect for lunch the next day which honestly might taste even better.
Everything You Need
- Ground Beef: I use lean 93/7 keeps the soup from being greasy.
- Beef Broth: Four cups full salt version gives best flavor.
- Mixed Veggies: Two cups frozen makes this so easy.
- Corn: One cup adds nice sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: My secret ingredient for depth.
- Molasses: Trust me on this one it's amazing.
- Tomato Sauce: One can adds rich color and flavor.
- Onion: Fresh chopped adds so much.
- Garlic Powder: Easier than fresh for this recipe.
- Dried Basil: Perfect herb complement.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start With The Beef
- Brown your ground beef with onions garlic powder and basil breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any extra fat.
- Add Everything Else
- Pour in your broth tomato sauce veggies and those special ingredients molasses and soy sauce. Give it all a good stir.
- Let It Simmer
- Bring to a boil then turn down low and let it simmer getting all those flavors to come together. About 20-30 minutes does it.
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My Special Flavor Trick
I know soy sauce and molasses might sound strange in soup but trust me. That bit of salty soy and sweet molasses transforms ordinary beef soup into something really special. It's my secret weapon for amazing flavor.
Easy Veggie Tip
Using frozen vegetables makes this soup so simple. I let them sit on the counter for a few minutes while I'm prepping everything else. They'll cook perfectly and won't cool down your soup too much.
Getting Rid of Extra Fat
Don't skip draining the beef after browning. Even lean meat releases some fat and removing it keeps your soup from getting that greasy film on top. Makes such a difference in the final result.
Making That Rich Broth
I always use regular beef broth not low sodium. It gives the soup such good flavor. Just taste near the end you can always add more salt if needed but starting with full-flavored broth is key.
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Taking Your Time
That 20-30 minute simmer is so important. It's when all the flavors come together and everything gets tender. I know it's tempting to rush but let it take its time you won't regret it.
What to Serve With It
We love this soup with crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. Sometimes I'll make grilled cheese sandwiches on the side total comfort food moment right there.
Spicing It Up
Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. My husband loves his with jalapeños. Start with a little you can always add more heat can't take it away.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is so flexible. Try it with ground turkey swap out different vegetables use whatever you love or have on hand. The basic recipe is just a starting point.
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Saving Some For Later
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for several days. Sometimes the soup thickens up overnight just add a splash of broth when reheating. Perfect for lunch the next day.
Freezer Ready
I often double the recipe and freeze half. Let it cool then portion into containers. Such a lifesaver on busy nights just thaw reheat and dinner's ready.
Making Perfect Soup
Remember to stir occasionally while it simmers check the seasoning at the end and don't rush that cooking time. These little details make all the difference.
Good For You Too
This soup is so satisfying and nutritious. You get protein from the beef lots of vegetables and it's not heavy at all. Add a salad on the side for a perfect meal.
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Slow Cooker Version
You can make this in your crockpot too. Brown the beef first then everything goes in the slow cooker. Low for 4-6 hours does it smells amazing all day long.
Fun Add-Ins
Sometimes I'll toss in some potatoes or pasta to make it even heartier. Fresh herbs on top are lovely too. Make it your own that's what cooking is all about.
Perfect for Everyone
This soup is great for feeding a crowd or just having dinner ready when everyone's hungry. It's simple enough for new cooks but tastes like you've been making soup forever.
Soup That Feels Like Home
There's just something about a pot of this soup simmering on the stove that makes everything feel right. Those bright vegetables that rich broth and all those cozy flavors it's what comfort food is all about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why thaw vegetables slightly?
- Partially thawed vegetables cook more quickly and evenly during the simmer time. Just leave them out while preparing other ingredients.
- → Why use full-salt beef broth?
- Regular beef broth provides better flavor. Reduced-sodium broth may result in bland soup and would need additional seasoning.
- → Can I double the recipe?
- The recipe serves 5 adults generously. Double for larger groups, but standard recipe is enough for family with young children.
- → What's the purpose of soy sauce and molasses?
- These surprise ingredients add depth and richness to the broth, creating a more complex flavor in a quick-cooking soup.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
- The soup makes enough for several lunches and reheats well. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.