Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large soup pot over medium‑high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Root Veggies: Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and optional tomato paste. Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add Green Veggies: Stir in green beans, corn, and zucchini during the last 10 minutes. Simmer uncovered.
- Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add pasta or rice for a heartier soup.
- Frozen mixed vegetables work great in a pinch.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 soup bowl (~1.5‑2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg