The Best Vegetable Soup

What’s your mama’s specialty? Is it her homemade cookies or pie? Her special lasagna or meatballs? My mom has quite a few, but today I’m sharing her vegetable soup. It is seriously THE BEST. So simple but packed with all the veggies and the MEAT!

What sets this veggie soup apart from all the others I’ve had? It is made with ground beef, which gives it a lot of substance to keep your belly full. And there’s also a secret ingredient that sets it apart from other veggie soups out there. CABBAGE! Chopped cabbage and cubed white potatoes make this soup chunky and hearty instead of brothy. You will be satisfied with a full tummy after eating a big ol’ bowl of this! Also, this soup can feed a family of four for quite a few days. Prep it on a Sunday and you’ll have plenty of leftovers!

Just a few months ago, when I offered to bring my grandma a meal- anything she wanted. She requested, “Your mom’s vegetable soup". I thought, well that’s easy! She ate to her hearts content. There’s no better feeling than when your grandma chows down on your cooking while giving you all the compliments 😊 Both our hearts were full that day. I’m sharing the recipe with all of you so you can create warm moments with your family through these harsh winter months too!

Here's What You’ll Need-

• 2 lbs. ground grass fed beef

• Small head of cabbage (you'll only need about half)

• About three white 3 potatoes- cubed

• 1 small onion- diced

• 1 can corn

• 1 can green beans

• 1 can carrots

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 can sweet peas

• About 2 quarts tomato juice

• Desired amount of salt & pepper

Directions-

• First, grab your large stock pot and combine your diced onion with your ground beef and start to brown it.

• While it cooks, start chopping your cabbage into small chunks and peel your potatoes and cube them as well. Throw the cabbage and potato cubes in with the meat and onion, when the meat is about half cooked, so they can start to soften up.

• Once the meat is cooked through and the onions have that transparent look, drain any fat or grease that may be there.

• You can now add all of your other ingredients. Drain everything except the tomatoes before adding.

• Mix well and let simmer for 30 minutes to an hour (you can also transition to a crockpot and let this finish the job for you) As always, soups and stews are better the more time you give them to sit. *This means the leftovers are AMAZING!

Notes-

You can add a little water if you feel that you need some more broth. Also, add salt and pepper to your liking and even a sprinkle of thyme if you like (totally optional). I don’t enjoy super salty things so just a tad is good for me. When eating it leftover, I usually put what I want into a bowl and add just a tbsp. of water or so to it before reheating in the microwave.