Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that can be whipped up in less than an hour? Look no further! This Quick Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup is your ticket to a delicious, nutritious dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a symphony of Italian seasonings, this soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced stalks of celery, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir them in and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef to the center. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Once the beef is cooked, mix it with the vegetables, then add in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the beef broth, and the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Quick Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup!
Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef thoroughly and don't rush this step. The caramelization adds rich, complex notes to your soup.
- Use fresh vegetables when possible. They provide better texture and more vibrant flavor compared to frozen alternatives.
- If you want to make the soup more hearty, consider adding a handful of small pasta like orzo or ditalini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey without compromising taste.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered to allow the flavors to concentrate and develop. Patience is key to a truly delicious soup!
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
