If you are looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and perfectly balanced seasonings, this soup is a vibrant celebration of wholesome flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or simply craving a nourishing homemade dish, this soup delivers every single time. It’s simple to make yet impressively satisfying, making it a family favorite you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe. Each item plays an important role, contributing to the soup’s rich flavor, hearty texture, and inviting appearance.
- Ground beef (1 pound): This forms the meaty base that adds savory richness to the soup.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Offers aromatic sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives a wonderful punch of flavor that wakes up all the other ingredients.
- Carrots, sliced (3 medium): Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of orange.
- Potatoes, diced (2 medium): Bring a comforting, creamy texture as they soften during cooking.
- Celery, chopped (1 cup): Delivers a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal undertones.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Introduce tanginess and help build a rich broth.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthiness and Italian flair.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Gives herbal warmth and enhances savory notes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to bring out and balance all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smokiness to deepen the flavor profile.
- Green beans, chopped (1 cup): Boosts the vegetable variety with a tender-crisp texture.
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Brings pops of sweetness and beautiful golden color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté ingredients, enriching flavor and preventing sticking.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook it while stirring occasionally, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This step builds the savory foundation of your soup, so take your time letting the beef get that beautiful, rich color. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Build flavor with aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness and mingling beautifully with the garlic. This step adds depth and invites fantastic aromas that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 3: Add hearty vegetables
Now it’s time to bring in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir these fresh vegetables into the beef and onion mixture so every bite gets some delightful texture and vibrant flavor. These hearty roots and stalks will absorb the broth and beef essence, becoming tender and delicious as they cook.
Step 4: Pour in the broth and simmer
Pour the beef broth into the pot, turning up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer softens the vegetables and allows the flavors to start melding together into a soothing broth that tastes like homemade comfort in every spoonful.
Step 5: Enhance with tomatoes and spices
After those vegetables have softened, stir in the diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika. These dried herbs and spices elevate the taste, creating layers of flavor that transform the soup from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Add the last vegetables and finish cooking
Finally, add the chopped green beans and corn kernels to the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the green beans to become tender yet still hold a slight crispness and the corn to bring its sweet bursts of flavor. Keep tasting and seasoning as you go to ensure each spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Once all the ingredients are beautifully cooked and the flavors are harmonized, remove the pot from heat. Ladle your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe into bowls and get ready to savor one of the most satisfying meals you can make at home.
How to Serve Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top adds a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma. A swirl of sour cream or a dash of grated cheese can also take your soup to the next level, adding creamy richness that complements the bold broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls to scoop up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the hearty flavors with freshness and crunch, making for a lovely, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests or kids. Garnish with vibrant chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil if you want to add a little kick. You can also ladle this soup over a bed of cooked rice or pasta for a unique, filling variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and safety.
Freezing
Freezing is a perfect option if you want to enjoy this soup later. Cool your soup completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep up to 3 months frozen, ready to provide comforting warmth anytime you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in short bursts until heated through. Adjust seasoning after reheating because flavors can mellow out a bit during storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe for a lighter option. Just note that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to increase the herbs and spices slightly to boost the taste.
Is it necessary to use all the vegetables listed?
Not at all. This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you love or have on hand. Just adjust cooking times for harder or softer veggies accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can, by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. To add protein, try beans or lentils. The flavor will be different, yet still delicious and hearty.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together nicely. Give the potatoes a poke with a fork—they should be soft but not mushy. Also, taste the broth to make sure the seasoning is just right.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a little longer to evaporate excess liquid, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water during the last few minutes of cooking. Another option is to mash a few potatoes or vegetables in the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe is truly a kitchen superstar: simple ingredients coming together to create something that feels both nourishing and soul-satisfying. It’s perfect for any day you want a warm, comforting meal with plenty of wholesome goodness. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll love sharing with friends and family.
Print
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup combines tender browned beef with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in rich beef broth and seasoned with fragrant herbs. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal, this stovetop soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the meat and vegetables.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and crumbly texture.
- Remove excess fat and add aromatics: Remove any excess fat from the pot. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef to infuse the mixture with aroma and flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Cook the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add root vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add beef broth and bring to boil: Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, which helps integrate the flavors.
- Simmer vegetables: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Season the soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika, blending these seasonings thoroughly into the soup for enhanced taste.
- Add green beans and corn: Incorporate the chopped green beans and corn kernels, distributing them evenly throughout the soup.
- Simmer uncovered: Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to reach perfect tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt or pepper if needed, balancing the overall flavor profile.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat once the soup is fully cooked and flavors are well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or accompanied by bread if desired.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
