If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and all the comforts of a homecooked classic, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is your new best friend. This hearty soup comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, transforming everyday vegetables and beef into a rich, soul-warming bowl of goodness. With layers of savory beef, bright veggies, and a perfectly seasoned broth, it’s a dish that never fails to bring everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup lies in its straightforward ingredients—each plays an important role in building deep flavors, adding color, and creating a wonderfully hearty texture. Don’t underestimate how much impact each element brings to your pot!
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- Ground beef: The star protein, adding richness and heartiness to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth that balances the savory notes.
- Garlic: Enhances the aroma and gives the soup a gentle, savory bite.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and beautiful color to every bowl.
- Celery: Brings subtle earthiness and helps round out the vegetable mix.
- Russet potato: Gives the soup body and a tender, comforting bite.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Deliver acidity and brightness that balances the beef.
- Tomato sauce: Builds a full, rich broth that ties all the components together.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, adding depth and umami.
- Dried basil: Infuses the soup with classic herbal flavor and fragrance.
- Dried oregano: Provides a Mediterranean touch that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and beef.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Green beans: Offer freshness and a pleasant snap—use fresh or frozen for convenience.
- Corn kernels: Infuse the soup with sweet pops of flavor and vibrant yellow color.
- Peas (frozen): Finish the soup with sweet green bursts and keep things extra hearty.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is key for developing that deep, savory base—don’t rush it! Once browned, drain off excess fat if needed to prevent your soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and turns slightly translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This duo forms a flavorful foundation that will fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Add the Hearty Vegetables
Next, pile in the chopped carrots, celery, and diced potato. Give everything a good stir to coat the veggies in all those savory juices. These hearty vegetables add bulk and that comforting, stew-like texture that makes Ground Beef Vegetable Soup so satisfying.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, and all the beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, crank up the heat, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This is when all the flavors start mingling and melding together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer and Soften
Lower the heat and let your soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This is the magic time—the flavors intensify, and the vegetables become tender but not mushy. If you peek, you’ll see all those colors coming together into a gorgeous, comforting pot of soup.
Step 6: Add the Final Veggies
Stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. These veggies don’t need as much time to cook, so let them simmer for just 5 to 10 more minutes, until everything is piping hot and perfectly cooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or black pepper makes all the difference!
How to Serve Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches take this soup from great to unforgettable! Sprinkle on a handful of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a burst of color. A crank of black pepper or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to your steaming bowl.
Side Dishes
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but it shines even brighter paired with a few classic sides. Think crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a buttery biscuit for dunking. For a lighter touch, serve it with a crisp green salad or homemade cornbread to round out the meal without overpowering the soup’s comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress, ladle your soup into rustic stoneware bowls and garnish with a swirl of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil. Or make it a centerpiece by serving it family-style in a big, heavy pot on the table—everyone can scoop out their own hearty portion, sparking that cozy, communal vibe. For a fun twist, offer baked potato or rice alongside so guests can customize their bowls to their liking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about Ground Beef Vegetable Soup? It makes fantastic leftovers. Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors continue to deepen and mingle as it sits, making for an even tastier bowl the next day. Leftovers will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is super freezer-friendly. Simply let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you need a homemade meal without any fuss!
Reheating
For the best texture and taste, reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the fridge first, then warm as usual. In a pinch, you can microwave individual bowls—just cover and heat in 45-second intervals, stirring between blasts, until everything’s nice and hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While the flavor profile will be a bit lighter, ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully in place of beef. Just keep in mind that if you use leaner meats, you might want to add an extra splash of olive oil for richness.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Great news: Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free beef broth and double-check your other ingredients. No pasta, noodles, or flour needed to thicken this wholesome soup.
What other vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach, or even sweet potatoes work well in this recipe. The soup is super versatile, so you can use up whatever’s in your crisper drawer or adapt for seasonal veggies.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything except the peas, corn, and green beans to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, then add the quick-cooking veggies in the last 30 minutes.
How do I make this soup more filling?
If you want to make it extra hearty, stir in cooked pasta, rice, or even barley right before serving. A handful of chopped cooked cabbage or kidney beans can also bulk up each bowl and make it a complete meal on its own.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving something cozy, need to clear out the fridge, or want a surefire crowd-pleaser, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup truly checks all the boxes. It’s a nourishing, flexible recipe that invites everyone to the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and let it become a comforting staple in your kitchen, too!
Print
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with tender ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is a satisfying meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup green beans, fresh or frozen, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 cup peas, frozen
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in green beans, corn, and peas, and cook for another 5–10 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- This soup is freezer-friendly and tastes even better the next day.
- Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini or cabbage.
- For a heartier version, add cooked pasta or rice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
