Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Soup

Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Soup

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• Carrot: 1, peeled and chopped
• Onion: 1, halved
• Peppercorns: 1 tsp
• Bay Leaves: 3
• Water: 2 liters (approx. 8 cups)

For the Soup Base:

• Onion: 1, finely chopped
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Carrot: 1, peeled and grated
• Ground Beef: 450 g (approx. 1 lb)
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
• Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

For the Garlic Bread:

• Bread: 3 slices
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
• Dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
• Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
• Spice Blend: Your choice (e.g., Italian seasoning, paprika)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

• Cook the Broth: In a large pot, add 1 chopped carrot, 1 halved onion, 1 tsp peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Pour in 2 liters of water and cover the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.

2. Prepare the Soup Base

• Sauté Vegetables: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add Carrots and Beef: Add the grated carrot to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
• Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tbsp of tomato paste. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  3. Cook the Soup

  • Strain the Broth: After the broth has simmered, remove the carrot, onion, and bay leaves from the pot using a slotted spoon. Discard these ingredients as they have served their purpose of flavoring the broth.
  • Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the broth and bring it to a boil again. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Combine with Beef Mixture: Stir the cooked beef mixture into the soup and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend all the flavors.

  4. Prepare the Garlic Bread

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Bake Bread: Place the bread slices on a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  • Prepare Garlic Spread: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and your spice blend of choice. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Finish Bread: Once the bread is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the garlic-herb mixture over each slice while it’s still warm. The heat from the bread will help the flavors to infuse.

  5. Serve

  • Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill if desired. Pair it with the fragrant garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

  Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving (including garlic bread)
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 900mg

  This Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Soup is a fulfilling and nutritious meal that combines the richness of ground beef with the comforting flavors of potatoes and aromatic vegetables. The homemade garlic bread adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of flavor, making this meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty soup with your loved ones!