Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ground beef vegetable soup is one of those timeless, comforting meals that’s not only hearty and filling but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy dish to serve during chilly evenings, or a healthy, balanced meal to feed a crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility – you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

In this recipe, the combination of ground beef and fresh, colorful vegetables creates a rich, flavorful broth that can be a meal in itself. Packed with nutrients and protein, this soup is satisfying and can be served with a side of crusty bread for a complete dish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, making it a practical choice for cleaning out the fridge.

Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

This recipe delivers a flavorful, robust soup that combines lean ground beef, an array of hearty vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s a straightforward one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for anyone new to cooking or those who simply need a reliable meal to put together in a hurry, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious ground beef vegetable soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef: The base of the soup, adding richness and protein. Use lean ground beef (about 80% lean) for a good balance of flavor and fat.
• Carrots: These provide natural sweetness and crunch. You can use regular carrots, baby carrots, or even pre-cut carrot sticks.
• Celery: A crunchy vegetable that adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to balance the sweetness of the carrots.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and an aromatic base to the soup. Yellow onions work best, but you can also use white or red onions for a slightly different taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a pungent, savory kick that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes is perfect for adding acidity and a tangy contrast to the beef. You can also use fresh tomatoes if preferred.
• Beef Broth: This adds a rich, savory depth of flavor. You can use homemade beef broth or store-bought, depending on your preference.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect in this soup, providing heartiness and a soft texture once cooked.
• Frozen Green Beans: A great shortcut for adding green vegetables without extra prep. They hold up well in soups and add both color and texture.
• Seasonings and Herbs: Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano are essential for seasoning. You can also add bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the steps to prepare this easy ground beef vegetable soup:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the beef.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Garlic And Seasonings

   • Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the garlic cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and the potatoes. Stir everything together, bringing the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has developed a rich flavor.

5. Add Frozen Green Beans

   • Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the frozen green beans and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through.

6. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with warm bread or crackers. Enjoy the cozy comfort of this homemade soup!

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star protein of this dish. It adds not only flavor but also texture. For a leaner version, you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken. If you’re going for a richer soup, consider using a higher-fat ground beef for extra flavor, but be sure to drain the fat after browning it to avoid excess grease.
• Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes create the foundation of this soup, bringing color and texture. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), while celery offers fiber and antioxidants. Potatoes add a comforting starchy element that balances the savory beef broth.
• Garlic and Herbs: Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient in many soups, adding an aromatic base that deepens the flavors. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaves impart a deliciously fragrant backdrop. If you’re a fan of spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can bring just the right amount of heat.
• Frozen Green Beans: Using frozen green beans is a great way to add a nutritious vegetable without worrying about seasonal availability. Plus, frozen veggies tend to retain their nutrients better than some fresh ones, making them a great addition to soups.

Expert Tips

• Use Bone Broth: For an even richer flavor, consider using bone broth instead of regular beef broth. Bone broth is packed with collagen and can lend a deeper, more nourishing taste to the soup.
• Add a Splash of Vinegar: To bring out the flavor of the vegetables and ground beef, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can balance the soup’s richness with a little acidity.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. You can make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Boost the Protein: For an extra protein punch, add in some cooked beans like kidney beans or chickpeas. They’ll not only increase the protein content but also give the soup an added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry:

• Swap the Ground Beef: If you prefer a leaner protein, try ground turkey or chicken. For a more indulgent twist, use ground pork or sausage.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add or replace vegetables depending on what you like. Zucchini, parsnips, or sweet potatoes are all great alternatives to potatoes. Kale or spinach can be added for extra greens.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or some chili powder. Alternatively, top each bowl with a spoonful of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream to cool things down.
• Herb Swap: While thyme and oregano are classic, you could also try rosemary, basil, or even sage for a different flavor profile.

Final Words

This ground beef vegetable soup recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple yet satisfying, nourishing yet flavorful, and the best part is that you can easily make it your own. From adjusting the vegetables to tweaking the spices, the possibilities are endless, and you can tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to create a delicious, wholesome meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, and you can always count on it to bring a sense of coziness to your dinner table.