This dish is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty ground beef and rich cream of chicken soup, it’s a simple one-pan meal that feels just right on a chilly evening.
Honestly, I love how quick it is to whip this up. Just mix, simmer, and you’ve got dinner ready. Pair it with some bread, and you’re all set for a cozy night in!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and juiciness. You could try 90/10 for a leaner option or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you want to make it healthier, try a homemade version or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
Beef Broth: Beef broth deepens the flavor, but vegetable broth works well too, especially for a vegetarian option. Just adjust seasonings since veggie broth might be milder.
Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers, Onion): Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! Sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even corn can fit well. Fresh or frozen vegetables can also be used.
Spices: I love adding paprika and thyme for warmth. Herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning can be swapped for a different feel. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor While Sautéing Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables correctly sets the stage for a flavorful soup. It’s crucial to cook them until just tender, which enhances their natural sweetness. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot pot and add olive oil—this prevents sticking.
- Cook onions and garlic first until the onions turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in your hard vegetables (like carrots and celery) next, and cook for an additional 5 minutes before adding softer items (like bell peppers).
This layered approach keeps the textures and flavors balanced throughout your hearty soup! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Hearty Ground Beef and Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40 minutes. Perfect for a warm and filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, and keep cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the vegetables until they are just tender.
5. Stir in the Cream:
Add the cream of chicken soup, paprika, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
6. Final Simmer:
Continue to let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so it gets heated through and becomes creamy. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the soup is ready, taste it and adjust any seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, hearty soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will provide a lighter flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make your own by mixing equal parts heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth with a bit of flour for thickness. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to balance the flavors!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well—just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add any vegetables you have on hand, such as corn, peas, or green beans. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly, and adjust the cooking time as needed for denser veggies.
