Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? By the time I get home, the *last* thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But, you know, the family needs fed! That’s when I turn to my trusty recipes for quick family meals. And let me tell you, this one is a lifesaver.

For years, I’ve been whipping up this Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup whenever we’re craving something warm and comforting, but I’m short on time. Seriously, it’s ready in under an hour! You can’t beat that, can you? It’s the perfect way to get a hearty, delicious meal on the table without sacrificing your sanity. Trust me, this will become a staple in your house, just like it is in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Reasons to Make This Soup

Ready in Under an Hour

Seriously, who has time to spend all day making soup? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, home-cooked meal FAST!

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Packed with Flavor

The combination of savory beef and all those yummy veggies? It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! Plus, it’s super comforting.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like peas? Add green beans! Want it spicier? Throw in some red pepper flakes! This soup is totally adaptable to whatever you’re craving. My favorite part is experimenting with different veggies. Have fun with it!

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to make this magical soup happen! Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. I try to keep things simple, ya know?

1 pound lean ground beef – Gotta have that beefy goodness!
1/2 medium onion, chopped – Adds a little zing!
2 cloves garlic, chopped – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
1 (32-ounce) carton beef broth (4 cups) – The base of our delicious soup.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into 3/4-inch chunks – Adds heartiness!
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce – For that classic tomato flavor.
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained – Don’t drain ’em! We want all that juice.
1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed soup vegetables – Usually carrots, peas, corn…the usual suspects!
Salt – To taste, of course!
Pepper – Same as above!
1 tablespoon white vinegar – Trust me on this one! It brightens everything up!

How to Make Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious soup in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables

First, grab your biggest pot – a nice big stock pot works best. Put it over medium heat and toss in that ground beef. Now, brown the beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to drain off any excess grease after it’s browned. Nobody wants greasy soup, am I right?

Next, put the meat back in the pot, add the chopped onion, and cook for about 3 minutes. You’ll see the onions start to soften – that’s what you want! Then, add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for just a minute. Careful, garlic burns easily! It’s ready when you can really smell it. Mmm, garlic-y goodness!

Adding Liquids and Potatoes

Okay, now pour in that beef broth and add the chopped potatoes. Crank up the heat and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cook for about 5 minutes. This gives the potatoes a head start.

Simmering with Remaining Ingredients

Time to add the rest of the goodies! Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), and that package of frozen mixed vegetables. Bring it all back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer.

Simmering is key! You’ll want to cook it until the potatoes and vegetables are nice and tender. Usually, that takes about 15-20 minutes. Just poke a potato with a fork to check!

Seasoning and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Once the veggies are tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Give it a good stir. Now, here’s my secret weapon: stir in that tablespoon of white vinegar just before serving. Trust me, it brightens up all the flavors. You won’t regret it!

Tips for the Best Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Choosing Your Beef

I always go for lean ground beef in this recipe. Why? Because you don’t want a layer of grease floating on top of your soup! Trust me, lean beef still gives you all the flavor without the extra fat. Plus, less draining! Win-win!

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! While the frozen mix is super convenient, sometimes I like to add extra chopped celery, carrots, or even zucchini. Whatever you have on hand works great! It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies that are hanging out in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Flavor Boosters

Wanna kick things up a notch? Try adding a bay leaf to the soup while it simmers. Just remember to take it out before serving! A splash of Worcestershire sauce also adds a nice depth of flavor. My grandma always swore by a tiny pinch of sugar, too! Shhh, don’t tell anyone!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Vegetable Beef Soup

Let’s talk ingredients! Sometimes you don’t have *exactly* what a recipe calls for, right? No worries! Here’s the lowdown on some swaps you can make for this vegetable beef soup, and a little more about why I use what I use!

Beef Broth

Okay, so I usually grab a carton of regular beef broth, but if you’re watching your salt intake, definitely go for the low-sodium version. You can always add more salt later, but taking it out? Not so easy! Plus, different brands have different sodium levels, so low-sodium gives you more control.

Frozen Vegetables

Look, I’m all about convenience, which is why I usually use a bag of frozen mixed veggies. BUT! If you’ve got some fresh veggies on hand that you want to use up, go for it! Just chop them up into bite-sized pieces and toss them in. You might need to simmer the soup a little longer until they’re tender, though.

White Vinegar

Now, I know it sounds a little weird to add vinegar to soup, but trust me on this one! A little splash of white vinegar at the end just brightens everything up and balances all the flavors. It adds a little *zing*! Don’t skip it! If you *really* don’t want to use white vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice will do in a pinch, but I strongly recommend the vinegar!

Serving Suggestions for Your Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing soup… now what? Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside this hearty bowl of goodness. You really can’t go wrong!

Bread

Gotta have bread with soup, right? I love serving this with some crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread is also amazing, or even just some simple dinner rolls. Yum!

Salad

If you want to keep things light, a simple side salad is perfect. I usually just toss together some lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a little vinaigrette. Easy peasy!

Toppings

Okay, this is where you can really get creative! I love topping my soup with a little shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are my faves). Sour cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt is also delicious. And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some fresh herbs like parsley or chives. So good!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions for Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Made too much? No problem! This soup is just as good (if not better!) the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for another bowl, you’ve got options! You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful, it gets HOT!

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This quick and easy vegetable beef soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn! It’ll keep for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it straight into a pot on the stove and heat it up. So easy!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You bet! If you’re going to be out all day, the slow cooker is your best friend. Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic like the recipe says, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure the potatoes are tender before serving! I actually think the flavor develops even more in the slow cooker. Give it a try!

Can I use different vegetables?

Of course! That’s one of the best things about this soup – it’s so versatile! Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Celery, zucchini, green beans, corn, even spinach would be delicious! Just chop them up into bite-sized pieces and toss them in. Just keep in mind that some veggies cook faster than others, so you might need to adjust the simmering time accordingly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Nutritional Information for Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s the thing: it’s *really* hard to give you exact numbers because it depends on the brands you use, how much of each ingredient you add, and all that jazz.

So, just a friendly heads-up: the nutritional information below is just an estimate. It’s based on common ingredients and serving sizes, but it’s not set in stone! If you’re following a strict diet, it’s always best to calculate it yourself using the specific ingredients you used. Just sayin’!

Enjoy Your Quick and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup!

Alright, that’s it! I really hope you enjoy this quick and easy vegetable beef soup as much as my family does! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Or even better, share a picture on social media and tag me! I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!