As temperatures outside continue to drop, our bodies naturally seek warmth. Warm your body from the inside out with this winter classic.

Hearty Vegetable Soup

(Courtesy of I Heart Naptime)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1-1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 small potatoes or sweet potatoes peeled and diced (can also substitute with cauliflower)

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 14.5 oz rotel (or diced tomatoes and green chiles)

• 15 oz tomato sauce

• 1 cup water

• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1-2 teaspoon chili powder (more or less to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3 tomatoes diced (or substitute with 1-14 ounce can)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Next stir in the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any remaining fat.

2. Stir in potatoes, celery and carrots, rotel, tomato sauce and water. Bring to a light simmer and then stir in the balsamic vinegar, chili powder, salt, pepper and tomatoes.

3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 30-45 minutes (or until the potatoes and carrots are fork tender), stirring occasionally.

4. Top with fresh basil & sliced avocado if desired.