Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Soup
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- Carrot: 1, peeled and chopped
- Onion: 1, halved
- Peppercorns: 1 tsp
- Bay Leaves: 3
- Water: 2 liters (approx. 8 cups)
For the Soup Base:
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Carrot: 1, peeled and grated
- Ground Beef: 450 g (approx. 1 lb)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the Garlic Bread:
- Bread: 3 slices
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
- Dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Spice Blend: Your choice (e.g., Italian seasoning, paprika)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth
- Cook the Broth: In a large pot, add 1 chopped carrot, 1 halved onion, 1 tsp peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Pour in 2 liters of water and cover the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Prepare the Soup Base
- Sauté Vegetables: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Carrots and Beef: Add the grated carrot to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tbsp of tomato paste. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Soup
- Strain the Broth: After the broth has simmered, remove the carrot, onion, and bay leaves from the pot using a slotted spoon. Discard these ingredients as they have served their purpose of flavoring the broth.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the broth and bring it to a boil again. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine with Beef Mixture: Stir the cooked beef mixture into the soup and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend all the flavors.
4. Prepare the Garlic Bread
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake Bread: Place the bread slices on a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Garlic Spread: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and your spice blend of choice. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish Bread: Once the bread is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the garlic-herb mixture over each slice while it’s still warm. The heat from the bread will help the flavors to infuse.
5. Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill if desired. Pair it with the fragrant garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving (including garlic bread)
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
This Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Soup is a fulfilling and nutritious meal that combines the richness of ground beef with the comforting flavors of potatoes and aromatic vegetables. The homemade garlic bread adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of flavor, making this meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty soup with your loved ones!