Vegetable Beef Soup

The aroma of simmering veggies and savory beef fills the kitchen, inviting comfort with every whiff. This Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, wholesome dish that takes just over an hour to make, yet rewards you with rich flavors and nourishing goodness. It’s an easy one-pot meal that combines staples and frozen ingredients, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.

This recipe is ideal for families looking for a satisfying dinner or for meal-preppers eager to stock the fridge with delicious homemade soup. It’s also great for busy weeknights since the soup can be made ahead of time and easily stored for future meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s packed with flavor from fresh and frozen ingredients.
• The addition of barley gives it a delightful chewiness.
• One pot means less cleanup after a wholesome meal.
• Simmering enhances the depth of flavors significantly.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for this hearty soup.

For the Soup Base

• 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
• 4 cups potatoes, cubed

For the Vegetables

• 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 Tablespoon minced dry onion

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• 2 bay leaves
• ⅓ cup barley
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Note: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon.
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist.
• Brown rice can replace barley.
• Any frozen vegetables can work in this recipe.

How to Make It

Here’s how to prepare this comforting soup.

Brown the beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain the fat.

Combine ingredients

In a 6-quart stockpot (or larger), combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer the soup

Allow the soup to simmer for at least one hour. This helps meld all the flavors together. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serve warm

Dish up the Vegetable Beef Soup and enjoy the warmth and heartiness it brings.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for longer storage.
Reheat: Microwave or stovetop until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat in the soup.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste after simmering.
• Add more water if you prefer a thinner soup.
• Include fresh herbs like parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra richness.