Canned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly day or just a comforting dinner to unwind with, a Canned Vegetable Beef Soup is a perfect choice. This soup is a beloved classic that brings together the richness of beef, the satisfying crunch of vegetables, and a savory broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something that’s both nutritious and easy to whip up. With canned vegetables as the base, you can skip some of the prep work and dive right into a filling, flavor-packed meal.

But here’s the best part: this recipe is super customizable. Whether you like your soup loaded with extra beef, or you want to add a few more veggies to the mix, you can make it your own. And because it’s made with canned vegetables, it has the convenience of a pantry-friendly meal that can be ready in no time.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the full recipe, step-by-step, with all the insights you need to make the perfect canned vegetable beef soup!

Canned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Making this soup is not only easy but incredibly satisfying. You don’t have to spend hours cooking or hunting for exotic ingredients-everything you need is most likely already in your pantry. Here’s the recipe, broken down simply so you can follow it without any fuss.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for the soup:

• 1 lb Ground beef – The heart of your soup, providing that savory, meaty base. You can swap for stew meat if you prefer bigger chunks of beef.
• 1 can (15 oz) of mixed vegetables – This could include carrots, peas, and green beans. These provide the perfect balance of flavor and texture to the soup.
• 1 can (15 oz) of diced potatoes – Pre-cooked and ready to go, these potatoes add heartiness and make the soup feel more filling.
• 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce – For that tangy, savory flavor that gives the broth a nice depth.
• 1 cup of beef broth – Enhances the meaty flavor and brings the soup to the right consistency.
• 1/2 onion, diced – Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A little garlic goes a long way in elevating the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds a warm, earthy note that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a bit of herbaceous flavor that rounds out the soup.
• Salt and pepper to taste – A simple seasoning, but essential to bringing out the full flavors of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, giving them a little extra flavor before adding them to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps to make your canned vegetable beef soup:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
   • Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

3. Add The Canned Vegetables

   • Now, it’s time to add the canned mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, and the tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Pour In The Broth And Seasonings

   • Add the beef broth to the pot, and sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to make sure the spices are well incorporated.

5. Simmer And Let The Flavors Meld

   • Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

6. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you want more flavor.

7. Serve Hot

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese if you like!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role, not just in flavor, but also in texture and nutritional value. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

• Ground Beef: The beef provides the savory base of the soup, making it rich and filling. It’s a great source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
• Canned Vegetables: The mixed vegetables in cans are pre-cooked, so they’re ready to go straight into the soup, saving you time on prep. Plus, they’re convenient and shelf-stable, which means you can keep them in your pantry for months.
• Tomato Sauce: This adds a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the beef. Plus, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which is good for heart health.
• Beef Broth: It brings everything together, providing a savory depth that enriches the soup. The broth also enhances the beefy flavor and makes the soup nice and comforting.
• Herbs and Garlic: A dash of thyme and oregano gives the soup an aromatic and herbaceous kick. Garlic adds that savory umami note that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.

Expert Tips

To take your canned vegetable beef soup to the next level, consider these expert tips:

• Beef Variations: Swap out ground beef for other types of meat. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner version. For a more luxurious touch, use stew meat or even some leftover roast beef for a heartier, more tender texture.
• Enhance the broth: For an even richer flavor, swap in homemade beef broth or use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
• Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of simmering for added vitamins and a pop of color.
• For extra texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a couple of tablespoons of instant potato flakes or blend some of the soup to create a creamy texture.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations to suit different tastes:

• Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Beef Soup: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy texture that melts into the broth.
• Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a deeply flavored, hands-off version.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and replace it with a can of lentils or chickpeas for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option.

Final Words

Making canned vegetable beef soup is as much about convenience as it is about flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soup that’s rich, hearty, and comforting. And because this recipe is so customizable, it’s easy to tweak it to suit your own taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a meal prep option for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. The beauty of this soup is that it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying, leaving you with a full belly and a happy heart.