If you’ve ever walked into a Ponderosa Steakhouse, you’ve probably been met with the savory aroma of their signature vegetable soup. Known for its comforting, hearty flavors, Ponderosa’s vegetable soup with ground beef quickly became a staple for many. It’s that perfect balance of fresh vegetables and tender beef simmered in a rich broth that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied after each bite.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Not overly complex, but packed with enough flavor to hit all the right notes. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re getting a cozy hug from the inside, and it’s not just a side dish – it could easily be the star of the meal.
Now, imagine being able to recreate that same delicious soup right in your own kitchen. No need to wait for the next trip to the steakhouse – you can make a batch yourself, and it’s easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make your very own Ponderosa-inspired vegetable soup with ground beef, from the ingredients to the cooking process, and even offer some helpful tips along the way.
Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
This recipe for vegetable soup is truly all about comfort. The ground beef gives it that rich, meaty flavor while the vegetables add color, texture, and a mild sweetness. The beauty of this dish lies in how easy it is to prepare, all while offering a soup that feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Below, we’ll walk you through the recipe so you can recreate this timeless dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need for this soup. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences, but this is the general guideline:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose a lean ground beef for a healthier option, though a slightly fattier cut will give you more flavor.
- Carrots (2-3 medium): Fresh carrots bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks): Celery adds a bit of crunch and earthiness that complements the other vegetables.
- Potatoes (2 medium): Russet potatoes work best for this soup as they break down into the broth, thickening it slightly while adding substance.
- Onion (1 medium): Adds flavor depth and a bit of sweetness when cooked.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Garlic infuses the broth with an irresistible fragrance and a little zing.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Adds a concentrated tomato flavor to enrich the broth and balance out the flavors.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): The base of the soup, giving it that rich, beefy flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): These add a tangy, slightly acidic element to the soup and work in harmony with the beef broth.
- Green Beans (1 cup): For a bit of color and crunch.
- Corn (1 cup): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Frozen Peas (1 cup): A nice soft addition that helps round out the vegetable profile.
- Bay Leaves (2): A classic herb for depth of flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- Black Pepper (to taste): For a mild spice that complements the other ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for that extra kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
Cooking Instructions
Making this vegetable soup with ground beef is a straightforward process. Let’s break it down step by step:
-
Brown The Ground Beef
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces. Brown the beef, cooking it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
-
Sauté The Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Stir well and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften a little and become fragrant.
-
Add The Tomato Paste And Diced Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to slightly caramelize and deepen the flavor.
-
Add The Broth And Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, followed by the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
-
Add The Potatoes And Other Veggies
After the initial simmering, add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
-
Final Adjustments
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
-
Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a full meal.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into a few notable ones:
- Ground Beef: It’s the heart of the soup, providing a meaty base that’s rich and satisfying. The fat content from the beef also helps to infuse the broth with flavor. If you’re looking to lighten it up, go for leaner beef, or even turkey if you prefer.
- Potatoes: These starchy tubers are essential for adding body to the soup. They absorb the flavor from the broth, thickening the soup as they cook and making each spoonful hearty.
- Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring acidity, which helps to balance out the richness of the ground beef and the savory broth. The paste also adds a deep umami flavor, while the diced tomatoes provide a more pronounced tang.
- Frozen Veggies: The peas, corn, and green beans are easy to throw in and add a mix of sweetness, earthiness, and crunch. They help fill out the vegetable profile and add color to the soup.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the ground beef, make sure the pot isn’t overcrowded. This ensures the beef sears properly, which enhances the flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs for an Extra Kick: If you have fresh herbs like thyme or basil, feel free to use them instead of the Italian seasoning for a fresh and fragrant touch.
- Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the simmering process. Let the soup cook low and slow to ensure that all the flavors meld together.
- Thicken with Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or use a potato masher to break them down before serving.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the soup your own:
- Add Beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans can add extra protein and make the soup even heartier.
- Switch the Meat: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Go Veggie-Only: If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add Spices: For a little kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a tangy, spicy flavor.
Final Words
This Ponderosa-inspired vegetable soup with ground beef is an incredibly versatile dish that is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a family. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the variations, the end result will be a comforting, soul-warming meal that everyone will love.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
To make Ponderosa Steakhouse vegetable soup with ground beef, you will need ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, garlic, bay leaves, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
The cooking time for this soup is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This includes browning the ground beef and simmering the vegetables until they are tender.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat Instead Of Ground Beef For The Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for the ground beef. Each variation will slightly change the flavor, but the soup will still be delicious.
Is Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef A Healthy Recipe?
The soup can be a healthy option as it is packed with vegetables and lean protein from the ground beef. However, you can make it even healthier by using lean ground beef or substituting it with ground turkey, and reducing the amount of added salt.
Can I Make Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Can I Freeze Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
In addition to the classic vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, you can add other vegetables such as zucchini, parsnips, bell peppers, or green beans. Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available.
How Do I Make The Broth Richer In Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
To make the broth richer, you can use a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce. Adding a bit of tomato paste also deepens the flavor of the broth.
Can I Make Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef Without Using Tomato Paste?
Yes, if you prefer not to use tomato paste, you can substitute it with a small amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. This will still give the soup a nice depth of flavor.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Ponderosa Steakhouse Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef?
Ponderosa Steakhouse vegetable soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread or cheesy biscuits would also complement the soup nicely.