Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: a comforting Ground Beef Vegetable Soup! This hearty and wholesome dish brings warmth to any table. You can prepare this flavorful soup quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy evenings and family meals. Expect a satisfying, nutrient-packed bowl that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Making this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a breeze, offering many benefits for busy cooks:
- Quick Preparation: It comes together in one pot, saving you time and cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
- Reheats Beautifully: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
- Freezes Well: Store extra portions for future easy meals, perfect for meal planning.
- Wholesome and Comforting: Packed with vegetables and protein for a truly satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a delicious Ground Beef Vegetable Soup:
- 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
We recommend 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less fat. You can substitute with leaner ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. If you don’t have beef broth, dissolve beef bouillon cubes in hot water according to package directions. For potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work wonderfully. Feel free to add other fresh or frozen vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or green beans. Crushed tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes can replace fire-roasted for a slightly different flavor.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup:
- Large Dutch oven or stockpot (6-quart minimum recommended)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your comforting Ground Beef Vegetable Soup:
Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, ground beef, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is completely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot after browning the meat.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the cooked meat and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste, adding richness to your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.
Combine Main Liquids and Starches: Add the chopped russet potatoes, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine.
Initial Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes. This allows the potatoes to start softening and flavors to meld.
Add Remaining Vegetables and Seasonings: After 10 minutes, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the new ingredients into the soup.
Final Simmer and Tenderizing: Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Taste the Ground Beef Vegetable Soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Enhancing Flavor:
- Simmer the soup a bit longer than specified for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process. A little extra salt or a pinch of herbs can make a big difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning beef; work in batches if necessary for proper browning.
- Scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan after browning the meat. They add amazing depth to your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.
The USDA provides comprehensive guidance on safe handling and cooking of ground beef, including recommended internal temperatures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Always drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning it. This prevents an oily soup.
- Avoid adding frozen vegetables too early in the cooking process. They can overcook and become mushy if added before the last 15-20 minutes.
- Monitor the potatoes and avoid overcooking them until they become mushy. They should be tender, not falling apart.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Ground Beef Vegetable Soup makes a wonderful meal any day of the week.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls for dipping into the broth.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
- Classic cornbread is another fantastic pairing that complements the hearty flavors.
Storage:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Gently reheat individual portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Variations:
- For an even heartier meal, stir in a cup of elbow macaroni or cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or green beans.
- Spice things up with a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Finish individual bowls with a swirl of pesto, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Enjoy a balanced and nutrient-rich meal with every serving of this wholesome Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. These estimated values provide a general idea of the nutritional content.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides extensive information on how vegetables and fruits contribute to a healthy diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1.5 cups |
| Calories | 235 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 32 mg |
| Sodium | 1180 mg |
| Potassium | 646 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 5431 IU |
| Vitamin C | 14 mg |
| Calcium | 82 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.
FAQ
Can I make ground beef vegetable soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. First, brown the ground beef and aromatics on the stovetop as instructed, then drain the fat. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
How do I thicken the broth?
The potatoes naturally release starch, which helps to slightly thicken the broth as the soup simmers. For a noticeably thicker consistency, whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering Ground Beef Vegetable Soup during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking until it thickens.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Absolutely, ground chicken or turkey are excellent, leaner alternatives to ground beef in this recipe. The flavor profile will shift slightly, so you might want to adjust seasonings to your preference. Consider adding a little extra Italian seasoning or a pinch of poultry seasoning for enhanced flavor.
Conclusion
This easy, hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Its versatility and family-friendly appeal make it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. We encourage you to try this satisfying recipe for a wholesome and delicious dinner. Share your experience and any creative twists you add to your homemade Ground Beef Vegetable Soup!
Easy Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large dutch oven over medium heat, add oil, onion, ground beef, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Add the tomato paste and stir it into the meat mixture until well combined.
- Incorporate the potatoes, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf into the dutch oven.
- Cover the dutch oven and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve the hearty soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a side of crusty sourdough bread.