Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

 

Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) ground beef

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 medium carrots, diced

– 2 stalks celery, diced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

– 4 cups beef broth

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– Sour cream and sliced green onions for garnish

Preparation

1. **Prepare the Soup Base:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

    2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**

1. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. **Add Vegetables and Spices:**

1. Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

2. Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.

4. **Simmer the Soup:**

1. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the soup to a boil.

2. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.

5. **Season and Serve:**

1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.

6. **Garnish:**

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions.

Enjoy your hearty ground beef and vegetable soup!