Ground Beef Tomato Basil Soup

Ground Beef Tomato Basil Soup is a hearty and comforting twist on a classic tomato basil soup. Combining the richness of lean ground beef with the bright, fresh flavor of tomatoes and aromatic basil, this soup delivers a perfect balance of warmth and freshness. Creamy, savory, and satisfying, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a bowl of comfort.

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants from fresh tomatoes and herbs. The addition of ground beef makes it filling enough to serve as a complete meal, while still maintaining the lightness and freshness of a classic tomato basil base.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it combines comfort and simplicity. The ground beef adds a hearty richness, while the basil and tomatoes provide freshness and depth.

It’s versatile, easy to make in one pot, and perfect for meal prep. Each spoonful is warming and flavorful, making it a perfect solution for busy nights without compromising on taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor-packed: Combines savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil.
• One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Appealing to both kids and adults.
• 🌿 Nutritious and hearty: Protein-rich and packed with vegetables.

If you love classic tomato basil soup but crave something more filling, this version is a must-try.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85–90%)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creamy version)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Brown ground beef in olive oil until fully cooked.

1. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings.
3. Simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Stir in cream (if using) and fresh basil before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Cream and Basil

For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread, crusty baguette, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Pair with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to avoid greasy soup.
• Fresh basil is best added at the end to preserve flavor and color.
• For richer flavor, simmer the soup longer to deepen the tomato taste.
• Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust creaminess by using half cream, half milk, or skipping cream entirely.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Tomato Basil Soup – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
2. Vegetable Boost – Add zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
3. Ground Turkey Version – Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
4. Cheesy Version – Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.
5. Low-Carb Version – Skip the cream for a lighter soup and serve with zucchini noodles.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if soup thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this soup creamy or keep it dairy-free?
Yes! Add cream for a creamy version, or skip it for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Q2: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
Yes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother, more classic soup texture.

Q3: Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Q4: Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes, small pasta shapes or rice can be added. Cook them separately or add in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Q5: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes! Use about 4–5 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, instead of canned.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Tomato Basil Soup is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal that combines the best of savory beef with bright, fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s easy to make in one pot, perfect for weeknight dinners, and versatile enough to customize to your taste. Whether creamy, spicy, or packed with vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite — warm, nourishing, and utterly delicious.