Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

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🥘 Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup (Mediterranean Style)

A warm, filling, protein-packed soup with classic Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, tomatoes, and colorful veggies.

⭐ Ingredients

Ground Beef Base

  • 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 1 medium carrot, diced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced potatoes (optional but hearty)

  • 1 cup chopped zucchini

  • 1 cup chopped cabbage

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 1 cup green beans, chopped

  • 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)

Liquids & Seasoning

  • 5 cups beef or vegetable broth

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried basil

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for Mediterranean brightness)

🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart.

  3. Cook until browned (5–7 minutes).

  4. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.

  5. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Tomato Base

Stir in:

  • tomato paste

  • diced tomatoes

  • tomato sauce

Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Add Broth & Vegetables

Add:

  • potatoes

  • zucchini

  • green beans

  • cabbage

  • broccoli

  • broth

  • bay leaf

Bring to a boil.

4. Season the Soup

  • paprika

  • oregano

  • thyme

  • basil

  • salt

  • pepper

  • crushed red pepper (optional)

Stir well.

5. Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.

6. Finish with Mediterranean Freshness

Stir in:

  • fresh parsley

  • lemon juice (optional but amazing)

Remove bay leaf.

🍽 How to Serve

Serve hot with:

  • whole-grain or Greek pita

  • a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

  • a sprinkle of Parmesan or feta (optional)

💡 Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins

  • Chickpeas or white beans

  • Spinach or kale

  • Roasted red peppers

  • Orzo or barley

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