Whole30 Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the soup.

Carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Celery: Contributes a subtle, aromatic flavor.

Onion: Enhances the overall taste with its savory notes.

Garlic: Adds depth and a slight pungency.

Beef broth: Forms the liquid base, rich in flavor.

Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness.

Green beans: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh taste.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.

Dried oregano: Infuses the soup with a Mediterranean aroma.

Dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbal note.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This will also help the beef integrate better with the vegetables and broth, giving you a more cohesive soup. Additionally, when adding the garlic, be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Stir continuously for that minute to release its full flavor without overcooking.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet flavor and similar texture when cooked, making them a good alternative to carrots.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and adds a slightly different but pleasant flavor to the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder garlic-like flavor and can be used in a similar manner.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian option while still providing a rich flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a similar flavor and consistency, making them a suitable replacement.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be chopped to match the size of green beans.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a different but complementary herbal flavor to the soup.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can enhance the soup.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier.
• Label the containers with the date and contents. This ensures you know exactly what you're grabbing from the freezer and helps you keep track of freshness.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This keeps the vegetables and beef fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and beef.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-2 minute intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• For stovetop reheating, pour the Whole30 Beef and Vegetable Soup into a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot and steaming. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and the flavor of the broth.
• For microwave reheating, transfer a portion of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adjust the time as needed based on your microwave's power.
• For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout. This method is ideal if you are reheating a large batch.
• For slow cooker reheating, pour the soup into the slow cooker. Set it to low and let it heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for a hands-off approach and keeps the soup warm for serving over an extended period.
• For instant pot reheating, use the sauté function to heat the soup. Pour the soup into the instant pot and set it to sauté on low. Stir occasionally until the soup is hot. Alternatively, you can use the pressure cook function by setting it to high pressure for 1 minute, then performing a quick release.

• Large pot: Used for browning the ground beef and cooking the soup.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the beef and vegetables without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the carrots, celery, and onion, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the diced carrots, celery, and onion accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice carrots, celery, and onions in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Batch cook ground beef: Brown extra ground beef and freeze portions for future recipes.

Opt for frozen green beans: Use frozen green beans to skip the chopping step.

One-pot cooking: Cook everything in one large pot to minimize cleanup time.