Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

Beef and Sweet Potato Soup is a heartwarming, nutritious dish that perfectly blends tender beef, hearty sweet potatoes, and a savory broth into one comforting bowl. This soup is rich in flavor, filling, and packed with vitamins, making it an ideal choice for a cozy meal during the colder months. The beef adds a satisfying depth of flavor, while the sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or something to serve during a family gathering, Beef and Sweet Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite.

This easy-to-make soup is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The combination of fresh vegetables, lean beef, and fragrant seasonings makes for a filling, balanced dish that everyone will enjoy. This recipe allows for plenty of customization to suit your tastes, whether you prefer a spicier version or a more mild and comforting flavor profile. In this guide, we will take you through every step of preparing Beef and Sweet Potato Soup, share useful tips for perfecting the dish, and provide a few fun variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Beef and Sweet Potato Soup

• Nutrient-Rich: This soup is packed with essential nutrients. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, while beef adds protein and iron to the mix. This makes the soup a balanced, nutritious meal option.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of tender beef, earthy sweet potatoes, and a flavorful broth creates a deep and satisfying taste. The seasonings like garlic, thyme, and rosemary enhance the natural flavors, making each spoonful a comforting experience.
• Filling and Hearty: The beef and sweet potatoes provide substantial texture and depth to the soup, making it incredibly filling and satisfying. It’s a great option for a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, Beef and Sweet Potato Soup comes together quickly and easily. The recipe requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the flavor of the soup to fit your preferences, whether that means making it spicier, adding more vegetables, or experimenting with different herbs. Plus, the soup freezes well, so it’s a great make-ahead meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7-10g

Ingredients

For the Beef and Sweet Potato Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or stew beef, cut into small cubes
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. If you’re using ground beef, break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat by draining the meat in a colander if necessary. Set the browned beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent, and the carrots and celery have started to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together so that the sweet potatoes and vegetables are well-coated with the spices. Let the sweet potatoes cook with the other vegetables for a couple of minutes to release their flavors.

4. Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Next, pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. The broth should cover the ingredients in the pot, but if it doesn’t, you can add a little more broth or water to ensure everything is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked and tender.

5. Check for Seasoning and Adjust

Once the soup has simmered and the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary to suit your taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash a portion of the sweet potatoes directly in the pot, giving the soup a creamier texture.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is fully cooked and the flavors have developed, serve it hot in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for extra richness.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Sweet Potato Soup

• Use Lean Beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or stew beef. You can even use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter soup. If you’re using stew beef, make sure to cut it into small pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Broth: The broth is what provides the base for this soup, so choose a high-quality beef or vegetable broth. If you want to make the soup even heartier, you can use bone broth for added nutrients.
• Customize the Vegetables: This recipe is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or parsnips if you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables you add.
• Simmer for Flavor: The key to great soup is allowing it to simmer for a long time. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors develop, so don’t rush this process. A slow simmer will result in a more flavorful and tender soup.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the seasonings. This will give the soup a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Make It Ahead: Beef and Sweet Potato Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making it a day in advance and reheating it when ready to serve. This also makes it a great option for meal prep.

Variations of Beef and Sweet Potato Soup

• Spicy Beef and Sweet Potato Soup: For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the seasonings. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder for extra warmth and depth.
• Coconut Beef and Sweet Potato Soup: For a unique twist, add a can of full-fat coconut milk to the soup towards the end of cooking. The coconut milk adds creaminess and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and sweet potatoes.
• Beef and Sweet Potato Stew: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth or add more diced vegetables, such as parsnips or rutabaga. This will result in a stew-like texture that’s even more filling.
• Herb-Infused Beef and Sweet Potato Soup: You can experiment with different herbs in place of or in addition to thyme and rosemary. Consider adding sage, bay leaves, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
• Beef and Sweet Potato Soup with Greens: For added nutrition, stir in some leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt into the soup and add a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef and Sweet Potato Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming in the container.

For longer storage, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef and Sweet Potato Soup

While this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, you can pair it with various sides to create a well-rounded dinner experience:

• Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and soaking up every last drop.
• Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad. The freshness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent side, garlic bread is always a winner with any soup. The crispy, buttery bread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, serve the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower. The roasted vegetables add a caramelized flavor that pairs well with the soup’s earthiness.

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Conclusion

Beef and Sweet Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, savory flavors combined with the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes. This recipe is a great option for a cozy dinner that is both hearty and nutritious. Whether you enjoy it as a simple meal on its own or serve it alongside a salad and crusty bread, this soup will satisfy your hunger and warm you from the inside out.

With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and a variety of possible variations, Beef and Sweet Potato Soup is sure to become a go-to recipe for any season. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish that can be stored or frozen for future meals. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be enjoying the delicious flavors and comforting warmth of this soup in no time!