Preparation:
Step 1: In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: To the cooked beef and onions, add the undrained stewed tomatoes, thinly sliced carrots, sliced celery, cubed potatoes, water, uncooked long grain rice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
Step 3: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables and rice to become tender.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps to thicken the soup to your desired consistency, intensifying the flavors.
Step 5: Once thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Note:
You can easily adapt this soup by adding other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding the meat.
- If you want to make this dish even heartier, feel free to increase the amount of potatoes or add beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 1 hour
Total Time:
- 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 191
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 689mg
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nourishment that will surely become a family favorite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a lovely way to gather everyone around the table. With its warm, comforting taste, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute, providing a leaner option while still maintaining great flavor.
Q2: What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes?
A2: If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes instead. Adding a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity.
Q3: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A3: Yes, this soup freezes excellently! Just allow it to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
Q5: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A5: To make it vegetarian, you can omit the beef and replace it with plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Enjoy making this Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup and savor every bite!
