Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Craving a truly comforting and deeply satisfying meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this delightful Ground Beef Vegetable Soup! This one-pot wonder effortlessly brings together tender ground beef and a vibrant medley of healthy vegetables in a rich, deeply flavorful broth. Eating a variety of vegetables daily provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall well-being. Learn more about the health benefits of vegetables. It’s the perfect, fuss-free solution for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, hearty dinner on the table fast for your family. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious, simple soup that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup will quickly become a family favorite for so many great reasons, making your life simpler and your meals more delicious:

• Quick & Easy: You can have this delicious soup ready to enjoy in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for any busy schedule. It truly saves valuable time without compromising on flavor or nutrition, perfect for quick and hearty meals.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks conveniently in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and a super simple, straightforward cooking process from start to finish. This is ideal for beginner cooks or anyone seeking ultimate kitchen convenience.
• Budget-Friendly: Crafted with common, affordable ingredients you likely already have, this recipe helps you create a satisfying, wholesome meal without breaking the bank. It’s smart, economical cooking for families!
• Meal Prep Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week. You’ll love having healthy, ready-to-eat lunches available for busy days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Easily double the recipe and freeze individual portions for those hectic days when you need a quick, wholesome meal with absolutely no effort at all. It’s fantastic for future meal planning and unexpected hunger.
• Kid-Friendly: Packed with nutritious ingredients and comforting, familiar flavors, this wholesome meal appeals to even the pickiest eaters across all ages. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers vital nutrients.

Ingredients

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your cozy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of delicious flavor and texture, ensuring a truly satisfying and nourishing meal for your family.

• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 1 White Onion, diced
• 1 Pound Ground Beef, 90/10
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Cup Carrots, sliced
• 1 Cup Celery, diced
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 2 Russet Potatoes, medium, peeled and chopped
• 8 Cups Beef Broth
• 28 oz Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 3 Cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Black Pepper, to taste
• ¼ Cup Parsley, freshly chopped

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this hearty recipe to perfectly suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand! For a lighter version, consider swapping the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you don’t have russet potatoes, sweet potatoes or Yukon golds work wonderfully, adding a slightly different texture and natural sweetness. If beef broth is unavailable, vegetable broth or water combined with beef bouillon are great alternatives that still deliver a rich base. Customize your vegetables freely by adding fresh zucchini, spinach, or kale, or explore different frozen mixed vegetable blends to change it up. Adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste, or introduce a touch of smoked paprika for earthy warmth or chili powder for a gentle, aromatic kick. This versatile ground beef vegetable soup truly welcomes your personal touch!

Equipment

Making this comforting soup requires just a few essential kitchen tools. You’ll definitely need a large Dutch oven or stockpot for simmering everything together efficiently and thoroughly. A sharp knife and cutting board are fundamental for safely preparing your vegetables. Finally, grab your measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring throughout the entire cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to prepare your delicious Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. This simple, beginner-friendly process ensures a flavorful and hearty meal every time, making cooking enjoyable and stress-free even on busy weeknights.

1. Brown Beef & Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or sturdy stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced white onion, one pound of lean ground beef, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, consistently breaking up the ground beef with your wooden spoon or spatula, until no pink remains and the vegetables begin to soften. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot for a cleaner, richer flavor in your finished soup. To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking all ground meats to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C).
2. Sauté Tomato Paste: Stir the tomato paste into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes wonderfully fragrant. This crucial step helps to toast the paste, truly deepening the overall flavor profile and richness of your soup’s base.
3. Add Liquids & Initial Seasoning: Now, add the chopped russet potatoes, eight cups of rich beef broth, the 28 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including all their flavorful juices), one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and one bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything gently to thoroughly combine all these wonderful ingredients and prepare for the simmering process.
4. Simmer First Stage: Bring the entire soup mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a consistent simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes. This initial simmer allows the potatoes to start softening and all the delicious flavors to truly meld and develop into a cohesive ground beef vegetable soup.
5. Stir in Remaining Veggies & Seasonings: After 10 minutes of simmering, remove the lid. Stir in the three cups of frozen mixed vegetables, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and one teaspoon of salt. Add black pepper to taste, starting with a quarter teaspoon and adjusting as needed for your preference. Give it another good stir to evenly distribute all the ingredients and seasonings throughout the pot, ensuring every spoonful is flavorful.
6. Simmer Second Stage: Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced easily with a fork. This final simmering stage ensures all vegetables are perfectly cooked and the soup has thickened slightly to a perfect, comforting consistency. Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed before serving, ensuring it’s just right for your palate and your family’s enjoyment.
7. Serve: Ladle the hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup generously into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. This comforting soup pairs perfectly with warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping, or your favorite dinner rolls. Enjoy your warm, comforting, and wonderfully homemade meal with your loved ones!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Master your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup with these helpful pointers to achieve the best flavor and texture every time, making your cooking experience even more rewarding.

• Flavor Deepening: For an even richer, more complex taste, allow your soup to simmer longer on low heat. This process concentrates the flavors beautifully, resulting in a more robust and satisfying broth, enhancing the entire ground beef vegetable soup experience.
• Taste Test Regularly: Always taste your soup before serving and at various stages of cooking. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed for the perfect balance of flavors that suits your personal preference.
• Browning Beef: Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the ground beef. This crucial step allows for a good, even sear, which greatly enhances its flavor rather than just steaming it. Cook in batches if necessary for optimal results.
• Vegetable Prep: Dice all your vegetables to a similar, consistent size. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same time, preventing some from being undercooked or others from turning mushy.
• Prevent Watery Soup: If you prefer a less watery broth and a richer consistency, consider draining any excess liquid from your canned diced tomatoes before adding them to the pot for your delicious ground beef vegetable soup.
• Adjust Thickness: If your broth is too thin for your liking, create a simple cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in gradually while the soup simmers until you reach your desired thickness.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoy your delightful Ground Beef Vegetable Soup in so many satisfying ways, making it a truly versatile meal for any occasion!

• Serving Suggestions: Serve generously alongside warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls, perfect for dipping into the savory, rich broth. A simple green salad makes a light and refreshing accompaniment to this hearty soup. It’s also great paired with classic grilled cheese sandwiches, or served proudly with homemade cornbread or fluffy biscuits.
• Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or conveniently in the microwave whenever hunger strikes, preserving all its wonderful flavors.
• Freezing Instructions: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick and wholesome future meal. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed through.
• Recipe Variations:
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra touch of warmth and exciting heat.
  • Hearty Grains: Stir in cooked small pasta (like ditalini), rice, or barley during the last 10 minutes of simmering for added substance and texture.
  • Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of richness and delicious flavor.
  • Herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different aromatic profiles and a delightful depth of flavor in your soup.
  • Dairy: Swirl in a touch of heavy cream or milk at the very end for a richer, slightly creamier soup texture that is wonderfully comforting and indulgent.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving (about 1.5 cups) of this hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. Enjoy a meal packed with beneficial protein and satisfying fiber, making it a wholesome and fulfilling addition to your family’s diet. Remember, these values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredient choices and precise portion sizes. This serves as a helpful guide. Disclaimer: Nutrition is approximate and based on standard ingredients.

FAQ

Find quick and helpful answers to common questions about making this delightful Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. We’re here to help make your cooking journey simple and truly enjoyable!

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
  Yes, you absolutely can adapt this recipe for your slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and aromatics first on the stovetop for the best depth of flavor. Then, simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until vegetables are perfectly tender.
• How do I thicken the broth?
  The russet potatoes naturally release starch as they cook, which helps to thicken the soup. If you prefer an even thicker consistency, create a simple cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it gradually into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
  Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent and lean substitutes if you are looking for a lighter option for this recipe. Just be aware that the overall flavor will be slightly different and less rich than with traditional ground beef in this delicious soup.
• What kind of potatoes work best?
  Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, naturally helping to thicken the soup and add a wonderfully comforting texture. Yukon golds also work very well and tend to hold their shape nicely if you prefer firmer chunks.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Yes, feel free to customize your soup freely! Green beans, corn, peas, zucchini, or fresh spinach are all wonderful additions to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of your hearty ground beef vegetable soup. Experiment to find your favorite combinations!

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is truly a star recipe for any home cook, especially busy parents and beginners looking for simple, delicious meals. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, loaded with healthy ingredients, and delivers rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility and family-friendly appeal make it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation, simplifying mealtime significantly. Give this hearty soup a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience or any favorite soup variations with us below! Happy cooking!

Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

This hearty ground beef and vegetable soup is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring tender potatoes, a variety of vegetables, and savory beef in a rich broth, it's a satisfying dish for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 1 White Onion diced
• 1 Pound Ground Beef 90/10
• 2 Cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Cup Carrots sliced
• 1 Cup Celery diced
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 2 medium Russet Potatoes peeled and chopped
• 8 Cups Beef Broth
• 28 oz Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Bay Leaf

Seasonings & Garnish

• 3 Cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Black Pepper to taste
• 1/4 Cup Parsley freshly chopped

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Stirring Spoon

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. In a large dutch oven, brown ground beef with onion, garlic, carrots, and celery over medium heat; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute until well combined with the meat mixture.
3. Add potatoes, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, additional Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally with crusty sourdough bread.

Notes

This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.