Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

If you crave a big bowl of homestyle comfort that also packs a punch of nourishment, you’re going to adore this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. With its rich, savory broth, ultra-tender chunks of beef, and a rainbow of farm-fresh veggies, every spoonful feels like a cozy, satisfying hug. The beauty of this soup lies not only in its heartiness and flavor, but also its effortless adaptability for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is deliciously straightforward, but don’t be fooled: each ingredient plays an important part in creating a perfectly balanced soup. From ground beef for protein and flavor, to colorful vegetables offering texture and natural sweetness, everything works in harmony.

• Ground beef: Gives the soup a hearty, savory base and adds delicious depth.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften veggies, adding a subtle richness.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and a foundation of flavor.
• Garlic: Boosts the overall savoriness—use fresh for best results.
• Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and a pop of color.
• Celery: Lends fresh, herby undertones and crunch.
• Potato: Thickens and gives body, making the soup ultra-satisfying.
• Diced tomatoes (with juice): Provide tang, umami, and beautiful color throughout the broth.
• Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor, creating that signature, hearty red broth.
• Beef broth: Infuses the whole soup with richness—opt for low-sodium if you’d like to control saltiness.
• Frozen green beans: Offer a crisp green bite and make things extra easy.
• Frozen corn: Sweetness and golden color, straight from the freezer.
• Italian seasoning: Adds warmth and a whisper of herbs in every spoonful.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning—always adjust to your taste!
• Bay leaf: Gives the broth gentle, background complexity. Don’t forget to remove it at the end.

How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking for it to turn brown, crumbly, and fragrant—this takes about 5–6 minutes. Once the beef has lost its pink color, drain off any excess grease. Add your diced onion and minced garlic right into the beef. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Liquids

Now, layer in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir them into the beef mixture so they can pick up some of that delicious meaty flavor from the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf! These seasonings will work their magic as the soup simmers. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer for the Perfect Texture

Once you have a bubbling pot of soup, reduce the heat to a simmer and leave it uncovered. Let the soup gently bubble away for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender but not mushy. This is when all the flavors blend and develop, creating that classic Ground Beef Vegetable Soup taste.

Step 4: Finish with Green Beans and Corn

Add the frozen green beans and corn straight from the freezer. This keeps them vibrant and just-cooked, rather than overdone. Simmer the soup for another 5–10 minutes, until everything is piping hot and the vegetables are perfectly tender. Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and take a quick taste—add extra salt or pepper if needed!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the hot soup generously into bowls and get ready for a cozy meal. Pair with freshly baked bread or crispy crackers, and you’ve got a feast perfect for any kind of night. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Ground Beef Vegetable Soup!

How to Serve Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

A little garnish can go a long way in making every bowl feel extra special. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley for color, or a handful of shredded Parmesan for a creamy, salty contrast. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper brings a gentle kick to your bowl of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.

Side Dishes

This soup is beautiful all on its own, but serving it with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast takes the meal to the next level. Saltine crackers or cornbread are wonderful for dipping. For a lighter pairing, consider a crisp, simple green salad to add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup totally dinner-party worthy by serving it in rustic bread bowls, or scoop it into small mugs at a casual gathering for a fun, hands-on twist. Add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream for instant restaurant flair—don’t be afraid to play with presentation to delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have extra time to meld. Allow the Ground Beef Vegetable Soup to cool, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it a smart choice for meal-prepped lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Let the soup cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Frozen Ground Beef Vegetable Soup keeps beautifully for three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your soup into a pot and warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For individual portions, use the microwave in 45-60 second bursts, stirring between each interval. If the soup thickens during storage, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative can be used in place of beef. Each variety brings its own subtle flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist on Ground Beef Vegetable Soup.

What vegetables can I swap or add?

This recipe is easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Feel free to toss in zucchini, peas, bell pepper, spinach, or any seasonal veggies you love. Just add tender greens near the end to keep them bright and fresh.

Can I make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown your beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all remaining ingredients (except frozen veggies) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, then stir in green beans and corn towards the end.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup, as written, is naturally gluten-free as long as you confirm your broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain added gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check your product labels to be safe.

Can I prepare this soup ahead for a party or meal prep?

Definitely! Ground Beef Vegetable Soup gets even better after a day in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches, busy weeknight dinners, or big gatherings. Just make, cool, and store, then reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings comfort, convenience, and homemade goodness all in one bowl, you simply can’t go wrong with Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen—don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it and share it with friends. Dig in and enjoy!

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