Hearty Vegetable and Ground Beef Soup
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup cabbage, chopped
– 1 can (15 ounces) beans (kidney, pinto, or your choice), drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ground Beef:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
– Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. **Add the Liquid and Seasoning:**
– Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and water.
– Add the chopped cabbage, beans, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
– Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. **Adjust Seasoning and Serve:**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
– Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Enjoy your hearty vegetable and ground beef soup!
