Hearty Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Welcome to a comforting classic: the Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that everyone will love! This hearty dish brings together savory ground beef, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and rich Italian flavors in one pot. It is a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal, perfect for any day of the week. Best of all, it’s straightforward to prepare and incredibly freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Vegetable Beef Soup

• Hearty & Comforting: This soup is packed with flavor and substance, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm, satisfying dish. Its robust profile truly hits the spot.
• Packed with Nutrients: You get a fantastic array of fresh vegetables in every spoonful. Eating a variety of vegetables is recommended for a balanced diet, offering numerous benefits of eating vegetables for overall health. It is an excellent way to boost your daily nutrient intake deliciously.
• Simple & Quick: With minimal prep work and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You will have a homemade meal on the table without stress.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common and affordable ingredients, this soup is kind to your wallet. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy delicious leftovers without breaking the bank.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a large batch and store the rest for later. For optimal quality and safety, it’s helpful to understand suggested storage times for frozen foods. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and convenient future meals.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to fit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Swap vegetables or proteins to create your unique spin on this classic.

Ingredients

To create this incredible Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe, you will need a few simple, wholesome ingredients. This combination promises a rich, flavorful broth and tender, satisfying components in every bite.

• 2 pounds ground beef: lean or regular works well.
• 4 cloves garlic: finely minced.
• 1 small yellow onion: diced small, about 1 cup.
• 10 medium carrots: sliced thin, about 4 cups.
• 6 ribs celery: sliced thin, about 3 cups.
• 6 cups water: or use beef or vegetable broth for extra depth.
• 16 ounce can diced tomatoes: undrained.
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes.
• 14 ounce can tomato sauce.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
• 1/2 head of green cabbage: roughly chopped, about 4 cups.
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this amazing Italian vegetable beef soup to fit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with these simple changes.

• Ground beef: Swap for ground turkey or Italian sausage to change the protein and flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Enhance your soup with zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or potatoes.
• Broth: Use beef or vegetable broth instead of water for an even richer, more complex flavor.
• Spices: Adjust the dried oregano, basil, and thyme blend to match your taste.
• Dietary: This recipe is naturally Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You likely have most of these essential items already in your kitchen for this easy Italian vegetable beef soup.

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot.
• Cutting board and sharp knife.
• Wooden spoon or spatula.
• Ladle.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Instructions

Crafting your delicious Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a hearty and flavorful meal. This guide ensures a perfect result every time, even for beginners.

1. Brown the beef: Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
2. Drain fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step helps to keep your Italian vegetable beef soup from becoming greasy and maintains a clean flavor profile.
3. Add core vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Pour in the 6 cups of water.
4. Incorporate tomatoes & spices: Increase the heat to high. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the wonderful flavors.
5. Bring to boil: Cover the pot with a lid. Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil. This helps to quickly start the cooking process for the vegetables and blend the seasonings.
6. Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, remove the lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. Continue simmering until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This is your chance to fine-tune the flavors to your personal preference. Add a little more salt if it tastes bland, or more pepper for a subtle kick.
8. Add cabbage: Stir the roughly chopped green cabbage into the simmering soup. Continue to simmer for just a few more minutes, typically about 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage has just wilted and is tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the cabbage.
9. Serve: Ladle the hot and hearty Italian vegetable beef soup into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, just before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Vegetable Beef Soup

These expert tips will elevate your hearty Italian vegetable beef soup, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture every time.

• Don’t skip browning: Properly browning the ground beef and sautéing the aromatics creates a deep, rich flavor foundation for the entire soup. This step is crucial for developing complexity.
• Chop uniformly: Cut your carrots, celery, and onion into similar-sized pieces. This ensures all vegetables cook evenly and become tender at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked or mushy.
• Layer flavors: Add dried herbs along with the tomatoes. This allows the spices to bloom in the warm liquids, intensifying their aroma and integrating them fully into the broth.
• Mind the cabbage: Introduce the chopped cabbage at the very end of the cooking process. This prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture and vibrant color.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste your Italian vegetable beef soup before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to suit your personal preference.
• Rest for flavor: Allow the finished soup to rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making the soup even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining. It offers various ways to serve, store, and customize to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve a piping hot bowl with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread or savory garlic knots for dipping.
• Pair your comforting soup with a simple, crisp green side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Enhance the richness by topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Enjoy this satisfying Italian vegetable beef soup on its own for a wholesome, light yet filling meal.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Once completely cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.

Variations

• Add pasta: Stir in a small pasta like ditalini, small elbow macaroni, or orzo during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Cook until al dente.
• Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, include a can of rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
• Different proteins: Beyond ground turkey, try using shredded cooked chicken or browned Italian sausage for a unique flavor.
• More vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor by introducing zucchini, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach during the final minutes of simmering.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy a hearty serving of this delicious Italian vegetable beef soup guilt-free! This soup is packed with essential nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your meal plan.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an approximation only and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Italian vegetable beef soup. We provide quick and helpful answers to ensure your success in the kitchen.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? Yes! For a slow cooker, brown the beef, then combine all ingredients (except cabbage) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cabbage during the last 30 minutes. For an Instant Pot, brown beef using the “Sauté” function, then add other ingredients (except cabbage), set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes, and quick release. Stir in cabbage and simmer on “Sauté” for a few minutes.
• How can I make this soup thicker? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked carrots and potatoes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
• What’s the best way to dice the vegetables for this soup? For even cooking and a cohesive texture, aim to dice your vegetables uniformly. Small, consistent pieces ensure everything becomes tender at the same rate and blends well in each spoonful of your hearty Italian Vegetable Beef Soup.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! If using fresh herbs, use approximately three times the amount of dried herbs specified in the recipe. Finely chop them and add them along with the tomatoes.
• Why add the cabbage at the end? Adding the cabbage towards the end of the cooking process prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy. This ensures the cabbage retains some of its texture and a brighter color in the finished soup.

Conclusion

This Hearty Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe truly embodies comfort in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers rich, satisfying flavors that your entire family will adore. Whether you’re seeking a healthy weeknight dinner or a versatile meal prep option, this soup fits the bill perfectly. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and savor every spoonful!

Hearty Italian Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

A comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired beef and vegetable soup, packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and an array of fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bowls

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small yellow onion diced small, about 1 cup
• 10 medium carrots sliced thin, about 4 cups
• 6 ribs celery sliced thin, about 3 cups
• 6 cups water
• 16 ounce diced tomatoes
• 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
• 14 ounce tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 head green cabbage roughly chopped, about 4 cups

Equipment

• large pot
• lid
• stirring spoon

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with minced garlic and diced onion over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes. Once browned, add the carrots, celery, and water to the pot.
2. Increase the heat to high, then add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid.
3. Once the soup is boiling, stir it, and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the carrots are tender.
4. Taste the soup and adjust the salt as desired. Stir in the cabbage and simmer for a few more minutes until the cabbage has wilted. Serve immediately, topping with cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust salt to taste as desired. Top with shredded cheese just before serving for extra flavor. This soup is perfect for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day.