Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup – A Soul-Warming Classic for Every Season
When it comes to comfort food that’s both hearty and nourishing, few recipes deliver quite like a bowl of homemade Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. This satisfying one-pot meal is packed with lean ground beef, fresh and canned vegetables, and rich tomato flavor—making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend cooking.
Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your freezer with leftovers, this wholesome, budget-friendly soup is as practical as it is delicious. Every spoonful is loaded with flavor and nutrients, keeping you full and satisfied without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- ✅ One-pot simplicity with easy cleanup
- ✅ Loaded with vegetables and protein
- ✅ Perfect for batch cooking and freezing
- ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
- ✅ Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients – Pantry Staples Meet Fresh Flavor
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Carrots (diced) | 4 |
| Celery ribs (chopped) | 4 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Potatoes (peeled, 1-inch pieces) | 4 |
| Canned corn (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15.25 oz) |
| Canned green beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Canned peas (undrained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Crushed whole tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Bay leaf | 1 or more, to taste |
| Ground thyme | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Water | ¼ cup, as needed |
📝 Tip: You can substitute fresh or frozen vegetables if preferred.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring often, until beef is browned and crumbly.
- Drain excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
- Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and onion.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables and Tomatoes
- Add the potatoes, corn, green beans, undrained peas, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Season with black pepper, bay leaf, and ground thyme.
- Pour in ¼ cup water to help loosen the mixture and assist with simmering. Add more water as needed throughout cooking.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the soup is well blended.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
🧄 Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Soup
- 🍲 Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- ❄️ Freeze portions: Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- 🥣 Thicker soup? Let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce.
- 🧂 Add salt cautiously: Canned veggies and tomato products can add plenty of sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
- High in protein from ground beef
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants from mixed vegetables
- Tomato-based broth provides lycopene and immune-boosting nutrients
- Customizable for low-carb or dairy-free diets
Substitutions and Variations
| Customize It Your Way | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Swap ground beef for turkey | Use lean ground turkey or chicken |
| Make it vegetarian | Use lentils or plant-based ground beef and veggie broth |
| Add pasta or rice | Stir in cooked elbow pasta or white rice before serving |
| Spice it up | Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce |
| Add beans | Kidney or black beans for added protein and fiber |
Storing and Reheating
- 🧊 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- ❄️ Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
- 🔥 Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
🥶 Pro Tip: Freeze in freezer bags laid flat to save space.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 ½ cup serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
(May vary based on brand of ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal: it’s nourishing, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for the week, this easy soup checks every box. With its hearty ingredients and comforting aroma, it will quickly become a go-to family favorite.
Serve it up with a side of warmth and watch it disappear from bowls in no time.