When the weather turns chilly or when you’re in need of a meal that warms both the body and soul, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup. This dish is a nourishing blend of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich bone broth, creating a comforting and filling meal. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, this soup is not only delicious but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is a go-to recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or substitute with lard, tallow, or ghee)
- 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion (equivalent to one medium onion)
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup carrots, sliced (about 2 medium-large carrots)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 small garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 quarts beef bone broth
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced or chopped (about 1 green bell pepper)
- 1 ½ cups green beans and/or asparagus, cut into 1-½” pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups spinach, packed (or substitute with another leafy green like baby kale, collards, or chard)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ¼ of a medium lemon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Begin by heating the avocado oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Incorporate the ground beef into the pot, using a wooden spoon to crumble it as it browns.
- Continue to cook until the beef is browned all over, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat if necessary, depending on your preferred level of richness.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the sliced carrots, minced garlic, and optional celery seed.
- Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors blend and develop.
- The garlic should be fragrant, but not burned.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the beef bone broth.
- Stir to combine, ensuring all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot are scraped up to add depth to the soup.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the green bell pepper, green beans, and/or asparagus. Season the soup with the sea salt and allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed.
6. Add the Greens:
- Stir in the spinach (or your chosen leafy green) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and tender. This adds a boost of nutrients and a vibrant color to the soup.
7. Finish with Lemon Juice and Seasonings:
- Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the soup.
- The lemon juice not only enhances the taste but also adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the beef and broth.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s still steaming.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.
- It also stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for a quick meal later on.
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is more than just a simple meal—it’s a bowl full of comfort and nutrition. With a variety of vegetables simmered to perfection and the rich, hearty flavor of ground beef, it’s a recipe that satisfies on every level. The addition of bone broth not only deepens the flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, making this soup a wholesome choice for any day of the week. Whether you’re warming up after a cold day or simply craving a nourishing dish, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.