why make this recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. It combines the goodness of vegetables with tasty beef, making it not only filling but also nourishing. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in large batches, so it’s great for families or meal prepping. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

how to make Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (cooked and drained fat)
46 oz tomato juice
46 oz water (use tomato juice can to measure)
1 Tablespoon better than beef bouillon – or 3 bouillon cubes
16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
4 cups potatoes (cubed)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon minced dry onion
1 Tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon basil
2 bay leaves
⅓ Cup barley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Brown and cook the ground beef in a skillet. Drain the fat.
In a 6-quart stockpot (or larger), combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer for at least one hour.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve warm.

how to serve Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup is best served warm in bowls. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy.

how to store Vegetable Beef Soup

To store Vegetable Beef Soup, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in airtight containers and refrigerate. It can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Vegetable Beef Soup

Make sure to brown the meat well for added flavor.
You can use any kind of vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, green beans, or peas.
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add more barley.
Adjust the spices according to your preference for a more personalized taste.

variation

You can add different proteins like chicken or turkey instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. You can also add beans for extra protein and fiber.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just chop them up and add them in the same way as the frozen ones.

2. How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time is about 1.5 hours, which includes cooking the beef and simmering the soup.

3. Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Vegetable Beef Soup is great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge or freezer and reheats nicely.