Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutrient-rich one-pot meal made with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s warm, filling, and brimming with earthy aromas that make it the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need a cozy, homemade dinner.

This soup has been loved for generations — it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand. The ground beef adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of carrots, corn, and tomatoes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup because it’s the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. It’s hearty without being heavy, packed with vegetables, and full of protein.

It’s also an incredibly forgiving recipe — you can swap or add ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup because:

• It’s wholesome and hearty: A complete meal in a bowl.
• It’s flavor-packed: A perfect blend of beefy richness and veggie freshness.
• It’s affordable: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• It’s easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
• It’s freezer-friendly: Great for make-ahead lunches or dinners.

This is comfort food at its finest — healthy, homey, and heartwarming.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–45 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~250–300 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean, 85–90%)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
• ½ cup pasta, rice, or barley (for extra heartiness)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chopped vegetables and cook briefly.
4. Stir in tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
5. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Add onion and garlic to the pot.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

• Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans.
• Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

• Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Add Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

• Stir in corn and peas (if using) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

• Remove bay leaf and ladle soup into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttered rolls.
• Pair with a green salad for a lighter meal.
• For extra comfort, top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces into the broth before serving.
• Add pasta or barley for more bulk (but cook separately if freezing).
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
• For deeper flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
• Make it spicy with a touch of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.

Variations

1. Mexican-Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn; serve with tortilla chips.
2. Italian-Style: Add small pasta, extra Italian herbs, and top with Parmesan.
3. Low-Carb: Skip potatoes and corn; add zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower instead.
4. Slow Cooker: Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
5. Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled soup for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

If adding pasta or rice, cook it separately and add when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Ladle
• Storage containers (for leftovers/freezing)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

2. How can I make this soup thicker?
Mash some potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) toward the end.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies work great — just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and omit pasta or use gluten-free pasta.

5. Can I use different meats?
Yes — try ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a mix of meats for added flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food — warm, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor, making it a healthy yet hearty meal that everyone will love.

Whether you enjoy it fresh off the stove or from the freezer on a busy weeknight, this soup brings pure homemade comfort to the table. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable — truly a must-have in your recipe collection.