Easy Ground Beef Soup Recipe

Ground beef is one of those versatile ingredients that can transform any meal into something delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to cook something hearty for the whole family, ground beef offers a reliable base. One of the easiest ways to use ground beef is in a comforting, rich soup. It’s quick, customizable, and can be made with ingredients that are often already in your pantry.

If you’re craving something cozy and filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, a ground beef soup recipe is a perfect choice. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but has the potential to be tweaked and refined to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how you can make a delicious and hearty ground beef soup that everyone will love!

Easy Ground Beef Soup Recipe

This easy ground beef soup recipe blends flavorful ingredients into a savory, rich broth, making for the perfect meal that is both filling and comforting. It’s one of those recipes that you can throw together in no time but will taste like you’ve been simmering it for hours.

Ingredients Needed

For this hearty ground beef soup, you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show! This will serve as the protein base for your soup. You can opt for lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter version or choose regular ground beef for more richness.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic base that will make the soup smell irresistible.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots give a slight sweetness and a little crunch to balance the flavors.
• 2 stalks celery, chopped: Adds a refreshing, slightly bitter note that complements the other vegetables.
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed: Potatoes make the soup more hearty and filling. You can use any variety, but russet potatoes are great for this.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice: Tomatoes add acidity and tang that balances the richness of the beef.
• 4 cups beef broth: The base of your soup, providing a savory, umami-filled liquid to cook everything in.
• 1 cup frozen peas: These add pops of color and a burst of freshness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For a touch of Mediterranean flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds a layer of fragrance and complexity to the broth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup couldn’t be easier! Follow these steps for a foolproof, tasty result:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you’re using fatty beef.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • To the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance.

3. Add The Vegetables

   • Toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes to mix the flavors and start softening the vegetables.

4. Incorporate The Liquids And Seasonings

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth. Add the oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir everything to combine, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Finish With Peas

   • Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. They don’t need much time to cook but will add a nice burst of sweetness.

6. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

   • Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve Hot

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has a purpose, and together, they create a delicious and balanced dish. Here’s why they work so well:

• Ground beef: Provides protein and flavor. The fat from the beef also enriches the broth and enhances the overall depth of the soup.
• Onion and garlic: These are the flavor foundations of many soups, creating that savory base and aromatic layer.
• Carrots and celery: Known as the ’mirepoix’ in cooking, these vegetables bring sweetness and complexity to the dish, complementing the beef and tomatoes.
• Potatoes: They’re more than just a filler! Potatoes thicken the soup slightly and make it feel more hearty and satisfying.
• Tomatoes: The acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness of the beef, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Beef broth: This forms the heart of the soup, infusing everything with savory goodness.
• Frozen peas: They add color and freshness, providing a nice contrast to the earthy flavors of the beef and potatoes.

Expert Tips

• Choosing the right beef: If you want a leaner option, go for 90% or leaner ground beef. If you prefer something richer, opt for 80% ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go! Depending on how salty your beef broth is, you might need less salt. Don’t hesitate to add more herbs or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up.
• Make it thicker: If you like your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a spoon to create a more velvety texture, or you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
• Simmer longer for flavor: If you have the time, let your soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors will be, but it’s totally fine to serve it after 30 minutes if you’re in a rush.

Recipe Variations

While this ground beef soup is delicious on its own, here are some fun variations to spice things up:

• Add beans: For an extra dose of fiber and protein, stir in a can of kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas. Let them warm through in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy ground beef soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Italian-style ground beef soup: Swap out the oregano and thyme for Italian seasoning. Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste for an even richer tomato flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
• Cheesy ground beef soup: Stir in some shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese) at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Swap out vegetables: You can switch up the vegetables based on what you have. Try adding zucchini, green beans, or corn for a different flavor profile.

Final Words

This easy ground beef soup recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s not only delicious but also customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re using up pantry staples or crafting a soup that’s rich in flavor, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and can be enjoyed for days!