I hated vegetable soup growing up. I didn't like anything about it. Even once I moved out, got married, had a family, I still never cared for it and never made it. Until about a year and a half ago, we were on vacation with my best friend's family and her parents. My friend's mom made vegetable soup for all of us to eat one night and it was awesome!
A few months later, I asked for the recipe and I couldn't believe how simple it was. You can add whatever seasonings you like, I usually stick with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ground beef or bulk sausage works for this, I have used both depending on what kind of mood I am in. I use petite diced tomatoes because my kids don't like the bigger chunks, but italian diced tomatoes are very good with this. And cabbage. That was the worst thing about vegetable soup for me as a kid. Now I love it. Sometimes I add it, sometimes I don't. And to keep it simple, I buy the bag of coleslaw mix and add about half of the bag. I usually make this on the stove top, but a crockpot works too. Just brown the meats in a skillet and add everything to the crockpot.
This meal is a 4 out of 5 thumbs up for us. I don't really expect my 6 year old to like this much. Sometimes she will eat a tiny bowl of it. But my 8 year old son loves it and requests it every time I plan my meals. My 10 year old eats 2-3 bowls for dinner of it when I make it. Also, it lasts 2-3 evening meals and even a lunch. I have never frozen it, but I don't see why that wouldn't be ok.
So here is my best friend's son's aunt's cousin's dad's sister's recipe (that's redneck for my best friend's mom!):
Vegetable Soup
1 lb ground beef or bulk sausage
28oz diced tomatoes of your choice (italian is good, plain also works well)
2 10oz cans tomato soup
1 14oz can green beans
1 14oz can corn (I like the white corn)
1 14oz can sliced carrots
1 14oz can diced potatoes
1/2 bag of coleslaw mix (optional)
salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings of your choice, to taste
First of all, do NOT drain any of the canned veggies, you will need those juices. Now that I got that out of my system, go ahead and brown the ground beef in whatever pot you will make your soup. I usually add the seasonings to the meat, but if you prefer to add them to the soup, then wait. Drain the meat if you want. Then open all of the cans and dump them on top of the meat, liquid included. If you didn't add the seasonings to the meat, now is the time. Stir until the veggies are evenly distributed in the soup. Bring to a simmer, stirring now and then. We like our soups fairly thick, if you like it thinner, simply add water about a 1/4 cup at a time until the consistency is right for you. Once it's hot, it's ready to serve! If you would like it to simmer longer, go ahead. Serve with crackers or a thick, crusty bread, or plain!