Healthy Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup: Counting Calories

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartiness and warmth of a good bowl of homemade vegetable beef soup. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and tender chunks of beef, this classic dish is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate a variety of vitamins and minerals into your diet.

One of the best things about vegetable beef soup is its versatility. You can load it up with all your favorite vegetables, making it an easy way to sneak in extra servings of greens and other nutrient-dense foods. Additionally, by making it at home, you can control the amount of sodium and fat that goes into the soup, making it a healthier option than store-bought versions.

If you’re looking to watch your calorie intake, vegetable beef soup is a great choice. By using lean cuts of beef and an abundance of veggies, you can create a filling meal that won’t break the calorie bank. In fact, a single bowl of homemade vegetable beef soup can range from 150-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Plus, the high fiber content of the vegetables can help keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for healthy homemade vegetable beef soup:

Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 cup diced potatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the browned beef back to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the green beans, corn, potatoes, and thyme to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, with each serving containing around 200 calories. It’s a perfect meal for those looking to enjoy a warm and comforting dish while keeping an eye on their caloric intake. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this healthy homemade vegetable beef soup and cozy up with a bowl of wholesome goodness.