Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe 🍲 – Hearty, Comforting, and Delicious!
If you’re craving a warm, filling, and wholesome meal, look no further than this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. Packed with nutritious vegetables, hearty ground beef, and a flavorful tomato-based broth, this soup is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend lunches.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make this satisfying soup, from the ingredient breakdown to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and storage instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
1. Easy to Make – One pot, minimal prep, and simple instructions make this soup beginner-friendly.
2. Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef, which is economical and widely available.
3. Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, peas, and green beans for a vitamin-packed meal.
4. Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat as needed for quick meals.
5. Customizable – Add or swap vegetables and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup features simple, everyday ingredients that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need:
• 2 pounds ground beef – Lean ground beef is ideal, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
• 4 carrots, diced – Adds natural sweetness and nutrition.
• 4 celery ribs, chopped – Enhances the flavor and texture of the soup.
• 1 onion, chopped – Onions provide a savory base for the soup.
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces – Potatoes make the soup heartier and more filling.
• 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed – Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained and rinsed – Classic addition to vegetable soup.
• 1 (15 oz) can peas, undrained – The liquid from the can adds extra flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – Forms the base of the broth, giving the soup a rich, tangy taste.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can whole tomatoes, crushed – Adds depth to the tomato broth.
• Ground black pepper to taste – Adds mild heat and flavor.
• 1 bay leaf (or more to taste) – Infuses the broth with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme – A subtle herb that adds warmth and depth to the soup.
• ¼ cup water, as needed – Used to adjust the soup’s consistency while cooking.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)
This soup is made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
1. Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the pot. Crumble the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently.
3. Cook for 7-10 minutes or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain excess grease from the pot to remove excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. Add 4 diced carrots, 4 chopped celery ribs, and 1 chopped onion to the pot with the ground beef.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
1. Add 4 peeled and cubed potatoes, 1 can of drained corn, 1 can of drained green beans, and 1 can of undrained peas.
2. Pour in 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 can of crushed whole tomatoes.
3. Season with black pepper, 1 bay leaf, and â…› teaspoon of ground thyme.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
1. If the soup seems too thick, add ÂĽ cup of water. Add more as needed while cooking to maintain your desired consistency.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover the pot and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the potatoes become tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm.
3. Serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup
• Drain the Grease: After cooking the ground beef, drain off the excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
• Cut Even-Sized Pieces: Dice vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, and celery) into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Low and Slow Simmer: Simmering the soup for an hour allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: It adds a rich, savory flavor to the broth. Just remember to remove it before serving.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more water or beef broth as needed while cooking.
Customizations and Variations
1. Protein Swap – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for a lighter or different flavor.
2. Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
3. Herb Upgrade – Add fresh or dried parsley, rosemary, or basil for a fresh herbaceous twist.
4. More Veggies – Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an extra dose of veggies.
5. Broth Variation – Instead of water, use beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth for added flavor.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Refrigerator:
• Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
• This soup freezes exceptionally well! Let it cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 1-2 minutes until heated.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Pair this hearty soup with sides that complement its flavors and textures:
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for dipping.
• Cornbread – A sweet, tender side that pairs well with the savory soup.
• Grilled Cheese – Classic pairing for a cozy lunch.
• Side Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the hearty soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef, then transfer it to a slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans, peas, and corn instead of canned. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a simple, hearty, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any season. The tender beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful vegetables come together in a rich tomato-based broth, creating a soup that warms you from the inside out.
It’s affordable, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have lunch and dinner ready for the week. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and customizations.
Happy Cooking! 🍲❤️