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#### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
1. **Heat Olive Oil**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving just enough for flavor.
3. **Season the Beef**: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the beef absorb the spices while it finishes cooking.
#### Step 2: Add the Vegetables
1. **Add the Onions and Garlic**: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. This step helps to release the flavors of the garlic and onion, forming a solid base for the soup.
2. **Add the Carrots and Celery**: Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
1. **Add the Beef Broth**: Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to release any browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits add flavor to the soup.
2. **Add the Tomatoes and Potatoes**: Add the canned tomatoes (with juices) and chopped potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine everything.
3. **Add Bay Leaves and Seasonings**: Add the bay leaves, paprika, and any additional salt or pepper to taste. Stir again and bring the soup to a simmer.
#### Step 4: Simmer and Cook
1. **Simmer the Soup**: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes. This allows the vegetables to cook through and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. **Add the Green Beans and Corn**: After 30 minutes, add the green beans and corn (if using) to the soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
#### Step 5: Final Adjustments
1. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes at this point.
2. **Remove the Bay Leaves**: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving the soup.
#### Step 6: Serve
1. **Garnish and Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs of your choice. Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup
1. **Use a Lean Cut of Ground Beef**: While you can use any ground beef you prefer, using lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) will result in a less greasy soup. If you use a fattier cut of beef, make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meat.
2. **Add More Vegetables**: The beauty of this soup is its versatility. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. You can also use frozen vegetables if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.
3. **Make It Spicy**: If you like heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also up the spice level with red pepper flakes.
4. **Use Homemade Broth**: For an even richer flavor, use homemade beef broth. If you don’t have time to make your own broth, store-bought broth works just fine.
5. **Let the Soup Rest**: Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day. If you have time, let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop further.
6. **Add Grains or Pasta**: To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a grain such as quinoa, rice, or barley,
or throw in some small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini.
7. **Freeze Leftovers**: This soup freezes well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw and reheat.
### Conclusion
Hearty ground beef and vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s a nutritious, satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is an easy, delicious option that will warm you from the inside out. With endless customization options and a rich, hearty flavor, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a staple in kitchens across the world.
So, the next time you’re craving a warm, filling meal, give this hearty ground beef and vegetable soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!
