Ground Beef Tomato Soup Recipe

Welcome to a cozy, hearty, and utterly satisfying dish that brings comfort with every spoonful – Ground Beef Tomato Soup. This recipe is a fusion of rich, savory ground beef and the tangy goodness of tomatoes, simmered together to create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, or any time you need a little extra warmth in your life. What makes this soup truly special is its versatility; it can be made with just a few basic ingredients, but you can always play around with seasonings and add-ins to make it your own. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that even novice cooks can whip it up without breaking a sweat.

If you love classic tomato soup but crave a heartier version, or if you just need a new comfort food recipe to add to your weekly rotation, this Ground Beef Tomato Soup is a must-try.

This hearty and flavorful soup combines ground beef, tomatoes, and simple seasonings to create a meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you serve it with a slice of toasted bread, crackers, or a sprinkle of cheese, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. The best part? It comes together in less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something homemade.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this delicious dish:

Ground Beef – This is the base of the soup, providing protein and a savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef or fatty ground beef depending on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted if you prefer a leaner option.
Canned Diced Tomatoes – The tomatoes are the heart of this soup, adding acidity and sweetness. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand, though canned tomatoes make the process much quicker.
Tomato Paste – Adds richness and depth of flavor, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes. You could also use tomato sauce if that’s all you have.
Beef Broth – This adds a savory base to the soup, helping to bring all the flavors together. You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer.
Onion – Diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re not an onion fan, you can swap it for shallots or garlic for a slightly different taste.
Garlic – A couple of cloves of garlic are essential for flavoring the soup. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch.
Carrot – Grated or finely chopped, carrots bring a subtle sweetness and texture to the soup. It also gives a pop of color.
Celery – This vegetable adds a mild, savory flavor and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the carrots and tomatoes.
Dried Italian Seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme will give your soup that classic Italian flavor. You can also add dried parsley or fresh herbs for a more vibrant finish.
Salt and Pepper – These simple seasonings enhance all the flavors. Be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.

Cooking Instructions

This soup is incredibly easy to make, with just a few straightforward steps to follow. Here’s how to bring everything together:

Sauté The Vegetables

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
Cook The Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Garlic And Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Tomatoes And Broth

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer The Soup

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken up. Stir occasionally.
Season And Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’d like a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender for a quick blend, or leave it chunky for more texture. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef: Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. If you’re looking to make this recipe leaner, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. The fat content can really affect the soup’s richness, so be mindful of what you’re using.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Fresh tomatoes can also be used if you’re in the mood for a fresher, lighter version, but canned tomatoes usually give a richer taste.
Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are a staple in many soups and stews. Carrots provide vitamins A and K, while celery offers fiber and a dose of vitamin K. Together, they add both nutrition and texture to the dish.
Beef Broth: Using beef broth as the base gives the soup a deep, savory flavor. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth instead.

Expert Tips

Beef Choices: If you want to make your soup leaner but still crave that meaty texture, ground turkey or chicken are good substitutes. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more complex flavor.
Herb Variations: While Italian seasoning works beautifully, feel free to experiment with different herbs! Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can add a different note to the soup. A bay leaf simmered in the broth will infuse it with extra depth as well.
Make It Spicy: If you’re a fan of a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and onions. Or, stir in some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños towards the end for a spicy kick.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to the soup just before serving. It will make the soup feel luxurious without overwhelming the flavor.
Leftovers: This soup stores incredibly well! In fact, like many soups, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Add Beans: For added texture and protein, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as kidney beans or white beans) to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a combination of mushrooms and beans. You’ll still get that hearty, comforting feeling without the meat.
Creamy Version: For a more indulgent soup, blend the soup halfway through and then stir in a cup of heavy cream. This will create a velvety texture that makes the soup feel like a comforting bowl of luxury.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top when serving, or stir in some melted cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) for an extra layer of richness.

Final Words

Ground Beef Tomato Soup is one of those recipes that never disappoints. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy weekend meals. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and savory seasonings creates a symphony of taste that warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ground Beef Tomato Soup Recipe