Ground Beef Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and comforting, a good bowl of ground beef soup is the perfect meal to satisfy your hunger. Ground beef is versatile, affordable, and when simmered with the right combination of spices and vegetables, it turns into a flavorful, filling soup. Whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

But why settle for just any old soup recipe? This one is packed with rich flavors, a variety of textures, and just the right balance of ingredients to make each bite incredibly satisfying. The great thing about ground beef soup is its simplicity, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. It’s the kind of dish you can customize, tweak, and play around with based on what you have in your pantry, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics and explore how to make this ground beef soup that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ground Beef Soup Recipe

This ground beef soup is a medley of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, simmered together to create a bowl of comfort. The beef provides a rich base, while the vegetables add freshness, color, and nutrients. A medley of herbs and seasonings infuses the soup with depth, making each spoonful burst with flavor. Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare this delicious ground beef soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – The star of the show! Choose lean beef to keep it lighter or go with a fattier blend for a richer flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Onion adds a base layer of sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for flavor; it brings an earthy, aromatic punch.
• 3 medium carrots, diced – Carrots add a subtle sweetness and crunch.
• 2 medium potatoes, diced – Potatoes help thicken the soup and provide a creamy texture once cooked.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Celery contributes a mild, refreshing crunch and depth.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Tomatoes give the soup a bright, tangy acidity.
• 4 cups beef broth – Beef broth serves as the rich, savory base of the soup.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds an earthy, herbal note that pairs perfectly with beef.
• 1 tsp dried basil – A classic seasoning that brings sweetness and a touch of summer to the soup.
• 1 bay leaf – Bay leaves infuse a subtle, fragrant essence.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To season and balance the flavors.
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas – If you like a pop of color and sweetness, peas are a great addition.
• Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – For a deeper umami flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty, delicious ground beef soup from scratch:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Mince the garlic. Open the can of diced tomatoes. This will ensure the cooking process moves smoothly without interruptions.

2. Brown The Ground Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add The Vegetables

   • Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, and celery. Let them cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavors.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Add Optional Ingredients

   • If you’re using frozen peas or Worcestershire sauce, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking. The peas will warm through quickly, and the Worcestershire sauce will deepen the flavor.

7. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

   • Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

8. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal!

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef: Ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Opting for lean beef (e.g., 90/10 or 93/7) will help reduce the fat content without compromising on flavor. However, a bit of fat in the beef adds richness to the soup, so choose based on your preference.
• Carrots and Potatoes: Both vegetables are full of fiber and essential nutrients. Carrots provide beta-carotene (great for vision and immunity), while potatoes are high in potassium and vitamin C.
• Celery and Onion: These ingredients are part of the “aromatic” base that gives the soup its depth of flavor. Celery has antioxidants, while onions contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
• Tomatoes: Not just for flavor, tomatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and lycopene, which is an antioxidant known to promote heart health.
• Broth: Using beef broth gives the soup a deep, savory flavor. If you prefer a lighter soup, chicken or vegetable broth can be used instead.

Expert Tips

• Lean beef vs. fattier cuts: If you’re watching your fat intake, go for lean beef. If you want a richer, more flavorful soup, choose a fattier cut of beef, like an 80/20 mix. You can always drain some fat after browning the meat.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you love-zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn would work well in this soup. The goal is to have a balance of flavors and textures.
• Add some heat: If you like a little spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.
• Use fresh herbs: If possible, fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley can elevate the flavor. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their aromatic qualities.
• Cook ahead: This soup can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld, making leftovers a real treat.

Recipe Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ground turkey works especially well in soups.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra beans (like kidney beans or lentils), mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables to create a satisfying, plant-based soup.
• Spicy Ground Beef Soup: For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños, a teaspoon of chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. It will add heat and bold flavors.
• Cheesy Ground Beef Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version of the soup.
• Slow Cooker Ground Beef Soup: Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Final Words

Ground beef soup is one of those dishes that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms you from the inside out. It’s hearty, nutritious, and easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for meal prep-make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and have delicious leftovers for days!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a solo meal, it’s easy to scale up or down. And don’t forget, the more you make it, the better you’ll get at customizing it to suit your tastes.