Ina Garten Style Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

For a Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup, a chef known for hearty, home-style cooking and comfort food is Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa.

Her approach to cooking emphasizes simple, fresh ingredients and robust flavors, which is perfect for a dish like this.

Here's a recipe inspired by her cooking style:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juice
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  • Brown the Beef:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    • Return the browned beef to the pot.
    • Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer the Soup:
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes.
    • Add the green beans, peas, corn, and potatoes. Simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Final Touches:
    • Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls.
    • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. Ina Garten's style of using fresh vegetables and herbs, combined with the heartiness of ground beef, makes this soup a satisfying dish for any occasion. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!