Comforting Beef & Vegetable Soup

A soul-warming soup that’s packed with savoury beef and tender vegetables, perfect for a cosy evening meal.

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40-45 minutes Cooking Method: Stovetop Simmer

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (optional, but recommended)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (optional, but recommended)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, but adds depth)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup green beans (fresh, trimmed and cut, or frozen)
• 1 cup corn (fresh kernels or frozen)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery (if using) to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer Soup Base: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes and dried Italian seasoning (or bay leaf). Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Remaining Vegetables & Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the green beans and corn. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp and everything is heated through.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Chef’s Tips:

• Heartier Soup: Add a 1/2 cup of small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) during the last 10 minutes of simmering for an even heartier soup.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen! It freezes well,l too.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables you have on hand, like peas or chopped bell peppers.