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I wanna tell you about our go-to family soup that always hits the spot when it's cold outside. This delicious veggie beef soup takes less than an hour to make and it's loaded with juicy ground beef, tons of veggies, and the tastiest broth ever. Nothing beats the feeling of this pot bubbling away on my stove - it truly makes our house feel cozy.
What Makes This Soup Special
Each bite delivers well-seasoned broth, soft beef and vibrant veggies. This dish manages to be filling and healthy at the same time. And guess what? It makes plenty for tomorrow's lunch too, which some folks say tastes even better after sitting overnight.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: I grab lean 93/7 to keep things from getting too fatty.
- Beef Broth: Four cups regular (not low-sodium) for maximum taste.
- Mixed Veggies: Two cups frozen for super simple prep.
- Corn: One cup brings a touch of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: My hidden weapon for extra flavor.
- Molasses: Sounds weird but works wonders.
- Tomato Sauce: One can for beautiful color and taste.
- Onion: Freshly diced makes all the difference.
- Garlic Powder: More convenient than fresh for this dish.
- Dried Basil: The ideal herbal companion.
Cooking Steps
- Cook Your Meat First
- Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic powder and basil while breaking it into small pieces. Pour off any excess grease.
- Throw In The Rest
- Add your broth, tomato sauce, veggies plus the magic ingredients - molasses and soy sauce. Mix everything well.
- Simmer Away
- Get it boiling then lower the heat and let it bubble gently so everything melds together. Around 20-30 minutes works great.
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Unexpected Flavor Boosters
I know adding soy sauce and molasses sounds weird for soup but you've gotta try it. That combo of salty and sweet completely changes basic beef soup into something you'll crave. It's my go-to trick for amazing taste.
Quick Veggie Shortcut
Frozen veggie mix makes this so quick to put together. I just set them out on the counter while I get everything else ready. They'll cook up perfectly and won't make your hot soup cool down too much.
Dealing With Grease
Always drain your beef after browning. Even the lean stuff lets out fat and getting rid of it stops that yucky oil slick from forming on top. It really changes how the final soup turns out.
Creating Fantastic Broth
I always pick regular beef broth instead of low sodium. It gives everything such great flavor. Just check the taste before serving - you can add salt later if needed but starting with flavorful broth is super important.
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Patience Pays Off
Don't skip that 20-30 minute simmer. This is when everything gets all friendly together and the veggies soften up just right. I know waiting is hard but it's worth every minute to get those flavors mixing properly.
Perfect Pairings
We usually enjoy this soup with some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. Sometimes I'll whip up grilled cheese sandwiches too - talk about the ultimate comfort food combo!
Adding Heat
Want some kick? Throw in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. My hubby can't get enough of his with sliced jalapeños. Go easy at first - you can always make it hotter but you can't undo too much spice.
Customizing Your Bowl
This soup works with so many changes. Try ground turkey instead, switch up your veggies, or use whatever you've got in the fridge. Think of the original recipe as just a jumping-off point.
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Tomorrow's Meal Today
This soup stays good in the fridge for a few days no problem. It might get thicker overnight - just pour in a bit more broth when warming it up. Makes for an awesome next-day lunch option.
Stock The Freezer
I often make twice as much and freeze half for later. Let it cool down before putting it in containers. Such a time-saver on crazy nights - just warm it up and dinner's done in minutes.
Soup Success Tips
Give it a stir now and then while it simmers, taste it before serving, and don't cut that cooking time short. These small things really matter for the best results.
Healthy And Filling
This soup gives you the best of both worlds - it's super satisfying but still good for you. You get beef protein, loads of veggies, and it sits light in your stomach. Add a side salad and you've got a complete meal.
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Crock Pot Alternative
This works great in a slow cooker too. Just brown your meat first, then dump everything in the crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and your house will smell amazing all day.
Tasty Extras
Sometimes I toss in some diced potatoes or a handful of pasta to bulk it up even more. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top look pretty too. Play around with it and make it your own creation.
Crowd-Pleasing Dinner
This soup works for feeding lots of people or just having food ready when your family gets hungry. It's easy enough for beginners but tastes like you've been cooking forever.
Warmth In A Bowl
There's something magical about having this soup bubbling away that just makes everything feel better. Those colorful veggies, that tasty broth, and all those homey flavors really show what comfort food is all about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should veggies thaw a bit?
- Partially thawed veggies cook faster and more evenly. Just let them sit out while prepping everything else.
- → Why pick regular beef broth?
- Regular broth has a richer taste. Low-sodium broth can end up tasting plain and needs more seasoning.
- → Can you scale this up?
- It feeds 5 adults comfortably. For more people or leftovers, double it—though the original works well for families with younger kids.
- → Why add soy sauce and molasses?
- They’re unexpected flavor boosters, making the broth deeper and more enriched in a short time.
- → How long does it last?
- It reheats easily and is great for lunches. Keep leftovers cold in a sealed container for freshness.