Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of hearty ground beef vegetable soup warm the soul on chilly evenings.

This classic comfort dish blends robust flavors and nutritious ingredients into a delightful meal.

Tender ground beef mingles with colorful vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying broth.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and fresh seasonal produce.

The soup comes together quickly with simple pantry staples and minimal preparation time.

Home cooks can easily customize this recipe to match their taste preferences or use available ingredients.

Dive into this nourishing soup that promises to delight and comfort with every delectable bite.

Variation Ideas for Veggie Soup

  • Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers hearty flavor and protein.
  • Low-Carb Vegetable Fusion: Replace potatoes with cauliflower chunks to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's chunky texture and nutritional value.
  • Vegetarian Harvest Bowl: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meat-free option that keeps the robust soup character.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Edition: Ensure all canned products are gluten-free certified, and skip the condensed tomato soup, replacing it with additional tomato paste and broth to maintain the soup's rich consistency.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this ground beef vegetable soup hearty?

The key ingredients are ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, corn, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. These components create a rich, filling soup packed with protein and vegetables.

  • Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of each fresh herb, chopped finely, to replace the dried Italian seasoning blend.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The soup contains lean protein from ground beef, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and a variety of vegetables providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It offers a well-rounded meal with multiple food groups represented.

  • How can I make this soup more budget-friendly?

Choose less expensive ground beef cuts like 80/20 or 85/15, buy vegetables in season or frozen, and use store-brand canned goods. These strategies help reduce the overall cost without compromising the soup’s delicious flavor.

Highlights of Ground Beef Veggie Soup

Highlights of Ground Beef Veggie Soup
  • Craft a hearty meal with minimal dishes, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
  • Combine lean ground beef with a colorful array of vegetables, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal that nourishes the body.
  • Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences, this soup welcomes ingredient swaps and personalization for everyone at the table.
  • Master the art of building layers of flavor through strategic sautéing and simmering, creating a rich and complex soup with basic cooking skills.

Veggie Soup with Ground Beef Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the soup.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Fresh Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and a wholesome quality to the soup.
Canned Vegetables:
  • Green Beans, Corn: These provide additional vegetables and contribute to the soup's robust character.
Broth and Tomato Components:
  • Beef Broth: The liquid foundation that creates the soup's body and carries the flavors.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Condensed Tomato Soup, Tomato Paste: Tomato products that add richness, depth, and a slightly tangy flavor profile.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the soup with aromatic and complementary flavors.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A condiment that adds complexity and umami to the soup.
Finishing Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used to start the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Easy Steps to Make the Soup

Easy Steps to Make the Soup

Step 1: Start Sizzling the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add ground beef, onion, and garlic.

Break up the beef and cook until it turns brown and crumbly.

Stir constantly to prevent sticking.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Wake Up the Vegetable Flavors

Add the following ingredients:
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté these vegetables for 6-8 minutes until they soften.

Keep stirring to ensure even cooking and blend the flavors with the beef.

Step 3: Unleash Herbal Magic

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and add bay leaf.

Stir and cook for an additional minute to release the herbs’ aromatic oils.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

Toss in the following ingredients:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Condensed tomato soup
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything thoroughly to create a rich, flavorful base.

Step 5: Bring the Soup to Life

Add these ingredients:
  • Green beans
  • Corn

Stir well and bring the soup to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes.

This is where the flavors dance and meld together, creating a delicious harmony.

Step 6: Perfect the Finishing Touches

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

The broth and Worcestershire sauce already add depth, so season carefully.

Tips for Making it Even Better

Tips for Making it Even Better
  • Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor without sacrificing taste or texture.
  • Add extra frozen mixed vegetables like peas or diced zucchini for increased nutrient density and more colorful presentation.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce to manage salt content without compromising the soup's delicious taste.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside Italian seasoning to create deeper, more nuanced flavor profiles.
  • Cool soup completely before storing in airtight containers, which can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

How to Keep and Reheat the Soup

  • Store the soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the soup's original texture and flavor.

Great Matches for Beef Veggie Soup

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich ground beef and hearty vegetable flavors, cutting through the soup's robust profile while enhancing its savory notes.
  • Bread Companion Strategy: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rustic garlic bread alongside the soup, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Comfort Cheese Topping: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or aged Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving, introducing a tangy, salty dimension that elevates the overall taste experience and adds creamy richness.
  • Refreshing Drink Option: Pair with a crisp, cold beer like an amber ale or light lager, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's warm, hearty character and cleanses the palate between bites.
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Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef vegetable soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich protein with garden-fresh vegetables. Simmering slowly, this soul-warming dish offers you a delicious escape from ordinary meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 stalks celery (sliced)
  • 2 medium potatoes (diced)
  • 1 15 oz (425 g) can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 14.5 oz (411 g) can cut green beans
  • 1 15.25 oz (432 g) can corn, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 10.5 oz (298 g) can condensed tomato soup
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic. Crumble and cook the meat for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Introduce chopped carrots and celery into the meat mixture, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. The prolonged cooking melds the flavors and creates a robust foundation for the soup.
  3. Enhance the aromatic profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning and adding a bay leaf. Stir and allow herbs to release their essential oils for approximately one minute.
  4. Incorporate diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, condensed tomato soup, and tomato paste. Splash in Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor complexity.
  5. Fold in green beans and drained corn kernels. Elevate the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes. During this period, ingredients will tenderize and flavors will harmonize.
  6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Carefully remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Customize vegetable choices by swapping green beans for zucchini or adding frozen mixed vegetables for more variety.
  • Enhance protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for diet-specific needs.
  • Consider making this soup ahead of time, as flavors intensify when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator, creating an even more delicious meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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