Grandma’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a combination of hearty vegetables, ground beef, and savory seasonings creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe is a throwback to simpler times, using pantry staples to deliver a nutritious and delicious soup that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s easy to make and can be adjusted to include your favorite vegetables. Let’s get started on this classic recipe.
1. Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large can stewed tomatoes
- 1 large can tomato sauce
- 1 can peas and carrots, drained
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 2 Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the meat: While the beef is cooking, sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Stir to combine. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Base
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the large can of stewed tomatoes and large can of tomato sauce. Stir to combine with the ground beef.
Break up the tomatoes: If your stewed tomatoes are in large chunks, use a spoon to break them up into smaller pieces as the soup simmers. This will help the tomatoes distribute evenly throughout the soup.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the peas and carrots: Drain the can of peas and carrots and add it to the pot. Stir to combine.
Add the green beans: Drain the can of green beans and add them to the soup as well. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes
Add the potatoes: Peel and chop 2 Idaho potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Add the potatoes to the pot and stir them into the soup.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add hot sauce and Worcestershire: Stir in ½ teaspoon hot sauce and ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will add a hint of spice and depth to the soup.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to your preference.
Step 6: Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup: Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded, the soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy piping hot.
Optional garnish: For added flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
2. Variations of Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup: Add ½ cup of barley to the soup along with the potatoes. Barley adds a chewy texture and extra heartiness, making the soup even more filling. You may need to add additional broth or water as the barley absorbs liquid.
Vegetarian Vegetable Soup: Omit the ground beef and substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version. You can also add beans like kidney beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
Italian-Style Vegetable Soup: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a can of drained cannellini beans. Finish by stirring in some chopped fresh basil or parsley for an Italian twist on this classic soup.
3. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a timeless recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The savory combination of ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes, all simmered in a tomato-rich broth, makes for a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your preferences, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
