Mediterranean Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty soup combines tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand and works beautifully as a meal prep option.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 lb ground beef (or beef stew meat, cubed)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups diced potatoes
2 cups chopped carrots
2 stalks celery, chopped
1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans), optional
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1–2 tbsp tomato paste or tomato sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
6 cups beef broth or stock
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder to taste
1–2 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add vegetables
Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add liquids & seasonings
Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if using).
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Add any optional seasonings you like.
Simmer the soup
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until vegetables are tender and beef is fully cooked.
Add frozen vegetables
Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until heated through.
Optional thickening & finishing touches
If a thicker soup is desired, mix 1–2 tsp flour with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir into the soup and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add apple cider vinegar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.
Tips
Evenly sized vegetables: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Enhance flavor: Sautéing garlic and onion before adding liquids deepens the flavor.
Adjust thickness: For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes, or stir in a small flour slurry.
Use fresh herbs: Add fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley toward the end for a brighter flavor.
Meal prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, and it freezes well for up to 3 months.
Variations
Beef options: Use stew meat, ground beef, or even thinly sliced beef for different textures.
Vegetable swaps: Add zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or green beans depending on what’s in season.
Tomato base: Use crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or a mix with tomato paste for different consistency and richness.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Low-carb option: Skip potatoes and use cauliflower florets or turnips instead.
Mediterranean twist: Stir in olives, artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of feta before serving for a more authentic flavor profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q: Can I use different meat?
A: Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb can be used. Adjust cooking times as needed for larger cuts like stew meat.
Q: How do I make it thicker without flour?
A: Let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to naturally reduce and thicken. You can also puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace beef with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~310
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: ~720mg
(Values are approximate and depend on meat, vegetables, and broth used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and highly versatile. With tender beef, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s satisfying on its own or served with crusty bread. The recipe allows for flexibility—swap meats, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your taste—making it a reliable, family-friendly option for weeknights or meal prep.