Hearty & Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup: A One-Pot Wonder

Craving a comforting, fulfilling meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night? This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is your answer! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, loaded with wholesome ingredients, and simmers into a rich, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty, family-friendly dish is also wonderfully budget-friendly, making it a staple you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner: Simple steps mean less time cooking and more time enjoying.
• Perfect for meal prepping: Make a big batch to savor throughout the week or freeze for later.
• Budget-friendly and versatile ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and affordable produce.
• One-pot cleanup for convenience: Fewer dishes to wash makes dinnertime even better.
• Freezes and reheats beautifully: Ideal for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
• Packed with savory flavor and wholesome veggies: A delicious way to get your daily dose of nutrients.

Ingredients

Here are all the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting 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

Olive Oil: Use it to sauté your aromatics and brown the meat, adding a base layer of flavor. You can swap it for any high-heat cooking oil.

White Onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic foundation, contributing essential savory notes. Yellow or sweet onions work just as well.

Ground Beef: Opt for 90/10 lean ground beef to minimize excess fat. Understanding the USDA’s guidelines can help clarify what ‘lean’ truly means when selecting ground beef for your recipes. Ground turkey or chicken make excellent leaner alternatives for this hearty beef and vegetable soup.

Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic provides an irresistible aromatic kick. Feel free to use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.

Carrots & Celery: These vegetables add natural sweetness, earthiness, and texture to the soup. Don’t skip this classic mirepoix base.

Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste deepens the broth with rich, concentrated umami flavor. It’s key for a robust taste.

Russet Potatoes: These absorb the delicious broth and help to naturally thicken the soup, making it extra satisfying. Sweet potatoes are a good swap.

Beef Broth: This liquid base forms the heart of your savory broth. If you don’t have broth, use beef bouillon diluted in hot water.

Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes offer a subtly smoky depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish. Regular diced tomatoes work too.

Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch boosts the savory umami notes in this comforting beef soup recipe. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used in a pinch.

Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, herby undertone to the broth as it simmers. Remember to remove it before serving.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables: This is where you can truly customize your soup! Choose your favorite blend, like peas, corn, green beans, or lima beans.

Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that imparts classic Italian flavors. You can use individual herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.

Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceousness to the finished soup.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you start makes cooking a breeze. You will need:

• A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart capacity).
• A sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for prepping vegetables.
• A wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring.
• Standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.

1. Prep the Base: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, ground beef, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
2. Drain Fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This prevents the soup from becoming greasy.
3. Build Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to deepen in color and release its rich flavors.
4. Add Liquids & Seasoning: Add the chopped Russet potatoes, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything to combine well.
5. Simmer Initial: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes. This allows the initial flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Add Remaining Veggies: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
7. Final Simmer: Continue simmering, now uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This ensures a perfectly cooked and hearty ground beef and vegetable soup.
8. Serve: Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Intensify Flavors: If your soup tastes a little thin, simply reduce the broth further by simmering it longer, uncovered. This concentrates the delicious flavors.
• Seasoning is Key: Always taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process. A pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can make a big difference in your hearty vegetable soup with ground beef.
• Prevent Mushy Veggies: Add delicate vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, during the last 10 minutes of simmering to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
• Adjust Thickness: The potatoes naturally thicken this simple ground beef soup. If you prefer a thicker broth, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Potato Don’ts: Avoid overcooking your potatoes, as they can break down and become mealy. Test for doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your comforting ground beef soup with a crisp, fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve it alongside warm, crusty sourdough or French bread perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
• Offer homemade dinner rolls for an extra cozy touch.
• Top individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover ground beef vegetable soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For optimal safety and quality, it’s always wise to consult the USDA guidelines for safe storage of leftovers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each.

Variations

• Protein Swaps: For a leaner option, easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Vegetable Boost: In the last 10 minutes of simmering, stir in fresh spinach, kale, or zucchini for an extra dose of greens.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pot for a little kick.
• Pasta Addition: For a heartier meal, stir in elbow macaroni, ditalini, or any small pasta shape during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Nutrition

Enjoy this satisfying Ground Beef Vegetable Soup guilt-free! Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Please note: These nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

• Can ground beef vegetable soup be made in the slow cooker?
  Yes, it can! Brown the ground beef and onions first. Transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until vegetables are tender.
• How do I thicken the broth?
  The potatoes naturally thicken this hearty soup. For extra thickness, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
• Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
  Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are both excellent leaner substitutes for the ground beef. You may need to adjust seasonings slightly to suit your taste with these protein alternatives.

Conclusion

This Hearty & Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup truly is a one-pot wonder, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Its simplicity, delicious taste, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect fit for any busy parent or cooking beginner. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this versatile soup tonight and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your table. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how wonderfully it nourishes your family!

Hearty & Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup: A One-Pot Wonder

This comforting one-pot ground beef vegetable soup is packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes, simmered in a rich beef broth. It's an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

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 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

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, ground beef, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, ensuring it's well mixed with the meat.
3. Add potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning, and the bay leaf to the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, optionally with crusty sourdough bread.

Notes

This hearty soup is even better the next day! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.