Craving a delicious meal that’s quicker than ordering takeout? Imagine making a restaurant-quality ground beef soup in just half an hour.
Picture yourself in the kitchen, turning simple ingredients into a hearty beef soup. This soup isn’t just another recipe. It’s a quick, nutritious solution for busy weeknight dinners.
In just 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of comfort. This hearty beef soup is packed with flavor and nutrition. Each serving has 21 grams of protein and only 247 calories, making it a great choice for health-conscious cooks.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who loves easy meals, this ground beef soup recipe is for you. Get ready to discover a meal that’s quick, easy, and loved by all.
Why This Quick and Hearty Soup Will Become Your Family Favorite
Finding a great weeknight dinner can be tough for busy families. This tasty beef broth soup is your answer. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, packed with flavor and nutrients, and won’t take up your whole evening.
Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners
With 72% of families wanting meals under 30 minutes, this soup is a winner. It’s perfect for families who are always on the go. You can have a hot, healthy meal ready in no time, even on the busiest nights.
- Quick 30-minute preparation
- Minimal ingredient requirements
- One-pot cooking method
- Easy cleanup
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a lot. This soup uses affordable ingredients to save your money. Ground beef, a favorite in 65% of American homes, is the main protein in this budget-friendly dish.
Wholesome and Nutritious Ingredients
Your family deserves meals that are good for them. This soup combines lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and beef broth for a balanced meal. Each serving is full of nutrients and low in calories.
Americans eat an average of 10.3 pounds of soup each year. By making this soup, you’re joining a tradition of enjoying comforting, healthy meals that bring families together.
Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Soup
Making a tasty ground beef stew begins with picking the right ingredients. Your beefy tomato soup will shine with a mix of fresh and pantry items. These ingredients promise great flavor and nutrition.
When making your ground beef soup, focus on these key ingredients:
- Protein Base: 1.5 lbs of grass-fed ground beef
- 1 large onion (approximately 150 grams)
- 32 oz beef broth (preferably homemade)
- 1 can (14 oz) stewed tomatoes
- Small can of tomato paste
Herbs and spices are key to making your ground beef stew special. Think about adding these flavor boosters:
- 1 teaspoon each of oregano, thyme, and parsley
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- Unrefined sea salt (½–1 teaspoon)
- Ground black pepper to taste
Choosing the right vegetables can turn your beefy tomato soup into a full meal. Good options include:
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced turnips
- 1 cup chopped celeriac
- 1-2 bags of frozen vegetable soup blend
| Ingredient Category | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1.5 lbs ground beef | Primary flavor and protein source |
| Liquid Base | 32 oz beef broth | Creates rich, hearty soup texture |
| Vegetables | 3 cups mixed vegetables | Adds nutrition and complexity |
| Herbs/Spices | 3 teaspoons dried herbs | Enhances overall flavor profile |
Pro tip: For the best taste, use fresh ingredients when you can. Don’t hesitate to try different herb mixes to find your favorite flavor.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Making a tasty chunky beef soup needs the right kitchen gear. Whether it’s a classic beef barley soup or a hearty ground beef soup, the right tools make cooking easier and more fun.
Let’s look at the essential tools for a perfect soup with less effort.
Recommended Pot Size and Type
Choosing the right pot is key for a great chunky beef soup. Here are some important tips:
- Go for a large, heavy-bottomed pot (6-8 quart capacity)
- Opt for stainless steel or enameled cast iron for even heat
- Make sure the pot has high sides to stop splatters
Optional Kitchen Tools for Easy Preparation
These tools are not necessary but can make preparing beef barley soup easier:
- Food processor for quick veggie chopping
- Immersion blender for smoother soup textures
- Sharp chef’s knife for precise cuts
Time-Saving Equipment Tips
Use these tools to cook faster and more efficiently:
| Equipment | Time-Saving Benefit |
|---|---|
| Multi-cooker | Reduces cooking time by 30-40% |
| Pressure cooker | Cuts preparation time dramatically |
| Digital kitchen scale | Ensures precise ingredient measurements |
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make a delicious, hearty soup quickly!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a hearty meaty soup is simpler than you think! Just follow these easy steps to turn ground chuck into a delicious beef noodle soup. It will warm your family’s hearts.
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather 2.5 lbs of ground chuck
- Chop 8 different vegetables
- Measure out 3 cups of beef broth
- Brown the Ground Beef
- Use a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook beef until no pink remains
- Drain excess fat if necessary
- Build Your Soup’s Flavor Base
- Sauté onions and garlic (approximately 5 minutes)
- Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
Your meaty soup will come together quickly. Add beef broth, diced vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
| Cooking Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Browning Beef | 5 minutes |
| Sautéing Vegetables | 5 minutes |
| Simmering Soup | 15-20 minutes |
Pro tip: Your beef noodle soup will taste best when you let it simmer. This way, the flavors can blend well. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Enjoy your delicious, nutritious meal!
Customizing Your Soup with Fresh Vegetables
Making the perfect ground beef soup means picking the right veggies. Fresh vegetables can make your beef vegetable soup amazing. They add fresh flavors and important nutrients.
- Classic trio: Carrots, celery, and potatoes
- Seasonal favorites: Green beans, corn, and zucchini
- Nutrient-rich options: Kale, spinach, and bell peppers
Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetable Choices
Frozen veggies are okay, but fresh ones are better. They add a unique texture and taste to your soup. Fresh veggies make your meal more enjoyable.
Cutting Techniques for Perfect Cooking
Uniform veggie sizes are key for even cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut veggies into bite-sized, roughly 1/2-inch pieces
- Make potato and carrot chunks a bit bigger to avoid overcooking
- Slice softer veggies like zucchini just before adding to keep their shape
Try different seasonal veggies to make your soup special. The goal is to mix flavors and textures for a tasty, comforting meal.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor Enhancement
Making a tasty hearty beef soup is more than just mixing ingredients. With a few expert techniques, your beefy tomato soup can go from good to great. These methods bring out deep, rich flavors.
Professional chefs say the key to a top-notch hearty beef soup is building flavors carefully. Roasting meat and veggies before adding them to the broth boosts the taste. This method makes the flavors more intense and complex.
- Concentrate broth by reducing it to two-thirds of its original volume for intensified taste
- Use fresh herbs near the end of cooking for maximum flavor impact
- Add dried herbs and spices early in the cooking process
- Skim excess fat to prevent a greasy taste while maintaining richness
When making your beefy tomato soup, think about these ingredients to boost flavor:
- Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
- Tomato paste for concentrated sweetness
- A splash of vinegar to brighten overall flavor
- Onions for versatile aromatic base
Your final touch can make the dish stand out. Add fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or some high-quality cheese. This will make your hearty beef soup look and taste like it’s from a restaurant. It will surely impress your family and friends.
Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines
Your chunky beef soup is great for meal prep and easy to store. Let it cool down completely before putting it in containers. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezing is a good choice for longer storage. Your soup can stay frozen for up to 3 months in safe containers or bags. Freezing in individual portions makes reheating easier and keeps the soup’s taste and texture.
Reheating your soup is simple. On the stovetop, heat it over medium-low for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. In the microwave, start with 90 seconds for one serving, then add 30 seconds as needed. Stir between heating to keep the soup even and tasty.
Use glass or high-quality plastic containers with tight lids for the best results. These prevent freezer burn and keep your soup fresh. Always label containers with the date to keep track of how long it’s been stored.