Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup – A Comforting Classic for All Seasons
If you’re looking for a wholesome, nutrient-rich, and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful, this Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is your go-to recipe. Packed with lean protein, a variety of colorful vegetables, and robust spices, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or when you simply crave a nourishing homemade meal.
This soup is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily modify it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry, and it reheats beautifully—making it ideal for leftovers or freezer meals.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- ✅ High in protein and fiber
- ✅ One-pot meal with easy cleanup
- ✅ Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables
- ✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prepping
- ✅ A satisfying dish for both kids and adults
Ingredients – Wholesome and Flavor-Packed
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Carrots (diced) | 2 medium |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Optional garnishes | Sour cream, green onions |
How to Make Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving the fat behind.
💡 Tip: If the beef renders too much fat, drain off excess to avoid greasy soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pot.
- Toss in the onions, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well with the veggies.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
- Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors are well developed.
🍅 The acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness of the beef and deepens the flavor profile of the soup.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
- Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or crusty bread on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs well with:
- Buttery garlic bread
- Cornbread or biscuits
- A fresh green salad
- Grated cheddar cheese as an extra topping
- A drizzle of hot sauce for heat lovers
Storage and Reheating Tips
- 🧊 To Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- ❄️ To Freeze: Let the soup cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- 🔥 To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
👌 The flavors intensify the next day—this soup gets even better as leftovers!
Additions and Variations
Customize this soup to your liking:
- 🥔 Add diced potatoes for a heartier bowl.
- 🫘 Stir in canned beans (kidney, black, or white beans) for added fiber.
- 🌽 Add corn or green beans for more color and texture.
- 🍝 Toss in pasta or rice for a thicker, stew-like version.
- 🌿 Use Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutritional Benefits
- Ground beef – Great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
- Vegetables – Full of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Beef broth – Adds collagen and minerals, aiding digestion and joint health.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
(Values will vary based on exact ingredients and additions.)
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup brings all the best elements of home-cooked comfort food—rich, savory, satisfying, and nourishing. It’s a budget-friendly, meal-prep dream that feeds a crowd or keeps you fed all week. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or just need something wholesome and filling, this soup checks all the boxes.
Keep this recipe in your rotation—it’s a flavor-packed classic that never disappoints.