Winter is here, and there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Hearty Beef and Garden Vegetable Soup to warm you up. This recipe is packed with fresh veggies and savory beef, making it a family favorite that's perfect for any chilly evening.
Ground beef gives this soup its hearty, savory base. You can opt for leaner beef if you prefer. Potatoes add a comforting, starchy element that makes it filling. Carrots and celery bring sweetness and a depth of flavor, while onions and garlic provide the aromatic backbone. The diced tomatoes with their juice add acidity and freshness, balancing the richness of the beef. Beef broth is the soul of the soup, tying all the flavors together. Green beans and corn kernels add texture and a touch of sweetness, and the spices, including salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried basil, elevate the whole dish. Finally, olive oil is used for sautéing, adding a subtle richness.
Serve this soup with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors perfectly. Consider topping each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it's browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Next, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir them around with the beef until the onions turn translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Give everything a good stir, making sure the vegetables are well coated in the beefy, oniony goodness.
Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Crank the heat up to bring everything to a boil. Once it's bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to begin softening.
After simmering, add the green beans and corn, along with the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir these in and let the soup continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables reach your desired level of tenderness. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
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