Imagine coming home after a long day, tired and hungry, and whipping up a delicious, nutritious soup in just 25 minutes. This Quick Vegetable Ground Beef Soup is your ultimate weeknight lifesaver – packed with protein, loaded with vegetables, and bursting with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef until it is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté with the ground beef for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
- Add the mixed vegetables and diced tomatoes to the pot, including their liquid.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and juiciness.
- For extra depth, consider browning the beef thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized base for your soup.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience, or customize with fresh seasonal vegetables.
- If you want to make the soup more hearty, consider adding a handful of small pasta or barley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- For a lower-fat version, drain excess fat after browning the beef or use lean ground turkey as a substitute.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be sprinkled on top just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
- This soup freezes beautifully – make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
