Quick Vegetable Beef Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the savory combination of ground beef, garlic, basil, and a touch of molasses for sweetness. The frozen vegetables, like mixed vegetables and corn, make it quick and convenient without sacrificing any texture or flavor. The beef broth and tomato sauce provide a rich, comforting base that makes each spoonful satisfying. Plus, with minimal prep time and a one-pot approach, it’s an incredibly easy meal to whip up when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 ¼ cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon molasses

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks and cook until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, dried basil, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, add the frozen mixed vegetables, frozen corn, soy sauce, and molasses. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to heat through.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy sauce or basil for extra flavor).
7. Serve hot, and enjoy your quick and comforting vegetable beef soup!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. The total preparation and cooking time is about 25-30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick dinner.

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can add more frozen vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
• Spicy Soup: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Herb Variation: Add other herbs like thyme or oregano to change the flavor profile of the soup.
• Instant Pot Version: You can make this soup in the Instant Pot by sautéing the beef and onions, then adding the rest of the ingredients and cooking on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just chop them up and add them to the soup. Keep in mind that fresh vegetables may need a little longer to cook than frozen ones.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup stores well and actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free soy sauce options.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, you can add diced potatoes to the soup for extra heartiness. Just add them along with the broth and tomato sauce, and let them cook until tender.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water) and stir it in at the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup to give it a creamier consistency.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup is not spicy unless you add additional heat, like red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños. It’s generally a mild, comforting soup.

Can I use low-sodium beef broth?

Yes, using low-sodium beef broth is a great option for a lighter version of this soup. You can always adjust the salt level by adding a bit more soy sauce or seasoning to taste.

How can I make this soup more filling?

For a more filling soup, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or even beans to bulk it up. This will also make it a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

Quick Vegetable Beef Soup is an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. With tender beef, savory broth, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a nutritious dish that will satisfy the whole family. Perfect for busy days when you need a quick and comforting meal, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe.

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