There’s a certain magic in a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. For me, that recipe is this incredible Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. I remember chilly autumn evenings as a kid, the scent of simmering broth and savory beef filling the entire house.
It was the one meal that signaled comfort, warmth, and family. Over the years, I’ve taken that memory and perfected my own version, creating a hearty hamburger soup that is both deeply nostalgic and perfectly suited for my busy lifestyle. This isn’t just any beef and vegetable soup; it’s a one-pot wonder packed with wholesome ingredients that you can get on the table in under an hour.
My search for the perfect, easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup ended with this very recipe, and I’m so excited to share the cozy goodness with you. It’s a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying meal that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it will in yours, too.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
This recipe for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a true kitchen champion, and there are so many reasons it will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a complete, satisfying meal that simplifies dinnertime without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick & Easy: This entire delicious ground beef vegetable soup comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup! It’s the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight when you crave a homemade meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and common vegetables makes this a very economical dish. You can stretch a pound of ground beef to feed the whole family, making this hearty hamburger soup a smart choice for your wallet.
- Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with lean protein and a rainbow of vegetables, this is a healthy vegetable soup with ground beef that you can feel good about serving. It’s comfort food that nourishes your body.
- Incredibly Versatile: Think of this recipe as a template! You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. This flexibility makes it the best ground beef vegetable soup for cleaning out the crisper drawer.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The rich, savory broth combined with tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables creates a classic flavor profile that both kids and adults adore. This homemade vegetable beef soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this easy ground beef soup lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You likely have many of these on hand already!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes (like Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is how easily you can adapt it. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Protein: If you’re not in the mood for beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground crumble to make a different version of this hearty soup.
- Vegetables: The sky’s the limit! Add in chopped bell peppers, green beans (fresh or frozen), zucchini, mushrooms, or butternut squash. For a touch of green, stir in a few handfuls of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. This is your chance to customize your perfect beef and vegetable soup.
- Add Grains or Pasta: To make this ground beef and vegetable soup even heartier, add 1/2 cup of uncooked barley, small pasta shells, or white rice along with the broth. You may need to add an extra cup of broth, as the grains will absorb liquid as they cook.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a wonderful, smoky depth to your hamburger soup.
- Liquid Base: While beef broth provides the richest flavor, you could use vegetable broth or even chicken broth in a pinch. For a deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious pot of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup you’ve ever had. It’s a straightforward process that delivers amazing results.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all over, about 5-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step toasts the paste and deepens the tomato flavor, which is a key trick for the best ground beef vegetable soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth and the can of undrained diced tomatoes. Add the cubed potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This gentle simmer is crucial for a tender and flavorful ground beef vegetable soup.
- Add Final Veggies: Stir in the frozen corn and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the corn and peas are heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle your amazing homemade vegetable beef soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy hot!
Pro Tips for Success
Want to take your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few of my favorite tips to guarantee a perfect pot every single time.
- Get a Good Sear: Don’t rush browning the beef. Allowing it to get some nice brown, caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan (this is called “fond”) creates a massive amount of flavor that will infuse the entire soup.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Try to dice your potatoes, carrots, and celery to a similar size. This ensures they all cook evenly, so you won’t have mushy carrots alongside undercooked potatoes in your final beef and vegetable soup.
- Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste Trick: Sautéing the tomato paste for a minute before adding the liquids is a game-changer. It mellows its raw flavor and adds a rich, savory depth that you can’t get otherwise. This is a non-negotiable step for my ground beef vegetable soup recipe.
- Let It Simmer: Once the soup is assembled, a slow and steady simmer is your best friend. Boiling it too aggressively can make the ground beef tough. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust at the End: The saltiness of your broth and canned tomatoes can vary. Always taste your finished hamburger soup before serving and add more salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors pop. A final pinch of salt can make all the difference.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is fantastic for meal prep, and the flavors often get even better the next day!
- To Store: Allow the leftover ground beef vegetable soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. You can freeze this healthy vegetable soup with ground beef for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat chilled or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, you can add a small splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a hearty meal all on its own, but a simple side can make it even more special. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough slice is essential for dipping into that rich, savory broth.
- Garlic Bread: Take it up a notch with some cheesy, homemade garlic bread.
- Classic Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve a bowl of this hamburger soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm and hearty soup.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?
Absolutely! Using a frozen mixed vegetable blend (typically containing carrots, corn, peas, and green beans) is a fantastic shortcut. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. This makes preparing your ground beef vegetable soup even faster.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency for your beef and vegetable soup, you can make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering soup and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Can I make this hamburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe adapts wonderfully for the slow cooker. Brown the beef with the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic on the stovetop first. Drain the fat, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Add all remaining ingredients except the frozen peas and corn. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method yields an incredibly flavorful Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.
Is this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup recipe healthy?
Yes, it is! By using lean ground beef and packing it with a wide variety of vegetables, you get a meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. This healthy vegetable soup with ground beef is a wholesome and balanced choice for any meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
*Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients. It brings warmth and flavor, making it perfect for any busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes (like Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute
- Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart and cook until browned, about 5-8 minutes. Drain excess fat
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add cubed potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender
- Add frozen corn and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through. Remove bay leaf before serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving
Notes
For thicker soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry.
This soup can be made in a slow cooker as well.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg