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!