Wholesome Alphabet Vegetable Soup

Alphabet Vegetable Soup is a delightful and nutritious meal that brings a touch of nostalgia and fun to the dining table. Perfect for both kids and adults, this hearty soup combines fresh vegetables, lean ground beef, and charming alphabet noodles in a savory broth. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a comforting dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 3/4 cup alphabet noodles
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup frozen green beans
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Warm the Olive Oil: In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil on medium heat.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning.
  6. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
  7. Add Noodles and Vegetables: Stir in the alphabet noodles, frozen corn, and frozen green beans. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles and vegetables are tender.
  8. Finish with Parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.

Conclusion

This Alphabet Vegetable Soup is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect family meal. The vibrant vegetables and playful alphabet noodles make it appealing to children, while the hearty beef and savory broth satisfy adult palates. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and comforting dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious soup, and let the fun of finding letters in your bowl bring smiles to the table!