Created on September 21st, 2025 at 06:02 pm
Hearty, easy, and perfect for cool evenings 🍲
This comforting vegetable beef soup is just what you need as the days get cooler. Loaded with tender veggies, juicy ground beef, and wholesome barley, it’s simmered slowly to build flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering, planning easy weeknight meals, or looking to stock your freezer, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, made with simple pantry staples, and makes enough to feed a crowd—20 cups of cozy goodness coming right up!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a simple, soul-soothing dinner that warms the belly and fills the house with delicious aromas, this one’s a winner. The savory broth, infused with herbs and a hint of Worcestershire, perfectly complements the rich beef and vibrant veggies. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make, stores beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Ideal for meal prepping, family dinners, or cozy fall weekends!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 20 cups
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 46 oz tomato juice
- 46 oz water (use tomato juice can to measure)
- 1 Tbsp Better Than Beef Bouillon (or 3 bouillon cubes)
- 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp minced dry onion
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- 2 bay leaves
- ⅓ cup barley
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
“This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.”
- 6-quart stock pot
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the fat. 🥄
- In a 6-quart stock pot, combine all ingredients. Stir gently to mix.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour. 🕒
- Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. 🍃
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm with crusty bread or crackers! 🥣
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Meal Prep: This soup tastes better the next day—ideal for make-ahead lunches.
- Serving Ideas: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 112 | 7g | 16g | 3g | 3g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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