Rice Soup with Ground Beef

Here’s a hearty, comforting recipe for Rice Soup with Ground Beef — a simple one-pot meal that’s cozy, affordable, and perfect for feeding a family. It’s kind of like a cross between a soup and a light stew, and you can customize it endlessly.

Rice Soup with Ground Beef (Sopa de Arroz con Carne Molida)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain preferred)

• 1 tomato, chopped (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 6 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for depth)

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp oil (if needed)

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add aromatics:
   Stir in diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Add rice and seasonings:
   Add the rice, tomato, tomato paste (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice and veggies.

4. Pour in broth:
   Add beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

5. Adjust consistency:
   Add a little more water or broth if the soup thickens too much. Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.

6. Garnish and serve:
   Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Variations & Add-Ins:

• Add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Stir in a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa for extra flavor.

• Top with grated cheese or avocado slices for richness.

• Make it spicy with chopped jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.