Ground Beef Soup Recipe

A well-made ground beef soup recipe is one of those dishes that combines heartiness, warmth, and comfort in every spoonful. It is more than just a simple soup; it is a balanced meal in a bowl. The rich flavor of ground beef mingles with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly seasoned broth, creating a harmonious dish that appeals to both adults and children. People love this soup because it is versatile, easy to prepare, and satisfying. The taste is rich but not heavy, with the meat providing depth, the vegetables adding sweetness and freshness, and the broth tying everything together.

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This soup is ideal for a weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a make-ahead meal that keeps well in the fridge. Its adaptability allows for a variety of flavors depending on your pantry staples and fresh produce. Whether you are preparing Hamburger Vegetable Soup for the first time or experimenting with a Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup version, this recipe delivers flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It is also a dish that introduces many home cooks to the joy of making Homemade Soup Recipe Ground Beef Stew Recipes from scratch.

With this ground beef soup recipe, you can achieve restaurant-style richness at home without complicated techniques. The combination of savory beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth ensures that every spoonful feels comforting and nourishing. It is no surprise that it is frequently featured in 30 Minute Soup Recipes, Easy Vegetable Beef Soup collections, and even traditional Sopa De Verduras variations. It is versatile enough to suit busy schedules and still produce a bowl worthy of being savored slowly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this ground beef soup recipe because it is both simple and satisfying. The flavors are balanced naturally, without relying on artificial seasonings. The ground beef provides rich umami, while the vegetables add texture and subtle sweetness. Every ingredient has a role, and the result is a cohesive, hearty soup that tastes layered and well thought out.

Another reason this soup stands out is its adaptability. You can make it a quick weeknight meal or a slow-simmered dish that develops deeper flavor. It works beautifully with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. You can customize it to match your preference for consistency, spice, and richness, making it a go-to for any home cook exploring Ground Beef Recipes Healthy or Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner.

Finally, this soup is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. It is forgiving and straightforward, allowing beginners to achieve great results while providing enough technique to satisfy more experienced cooks. It is a perfect example of a dish that delivers on flavor, comfort, and nutrition while remaining adaptable to your personal pantry and tastes. This makes it an essential addition to any collection of Vegetable Beef Soup or Homemade Dishes.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 generous bowls

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup corn kernels
Optional garnish: fresh parsley

Substitution Notes

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetables can be swapped based on seasonality, such as using green beans or butternut squash.
Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly variation using plant-based crumbles.
Paprika can be smoked or sweet depending on preference.
Frozen vegetables can substitute fresh vegetables when needed.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and crumbly. This step develops flavor and provides a rich base for the soup. Remove excess fat if necessary, but retain some to enhance the broth’s taste.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. This layer of aromatics is essential for a flavorful Vegetable Beef Soup.

Step 3: Add seasonings

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices. This ensures each spoonful is balanced and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Incorporate liquids and tomatoes

Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. The tomatoes provide acidity, sweetness, and depth, balancing the savory notes of the beef.

Step 5: Simmer the soup

Reduce heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes. This lets the vegetables soften fully and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally, and taste halfway through to adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Add quick-cooking vegetables

Add zucchini, frozen peas, and corn in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. These vegetables cook quickly and retain their color and texture when added near the end. They also provide freshness and balance to the richness of the broth.

Step 7: Final taste and adjustments

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. The final step ensures the flavor is well-rounded and ready to serve. Remove from heat and allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve hot in individual bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad for a complete meal. This soup is perfect on its own as a satisfying lunch or dinner, or as part of a family-style meal where everyone can ladle their own servings. It pairs wonderfully with rice or egg noodles for a heartier presentation. For a more rustic feel, serve in large bowls with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

Additional Tips

Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
Do not overcook delicate vegetables like peas or zucchini; add them toward the end to retain their bright color.
Brown the beef thoroughly to develop deeper flavor for the broth.
Use a low simmer to allow flavors to meld without overcooking the vegetables.
Taste often, especially near the end, and adjust seasonings gradually for the best balance.
Consider using a combination of fresh and frozen vegetables for convenience without sacrificing taste.

Recipe Variations

Creating a ground beef soup at home offers endless possibilities to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and occasions. Once you master the base recipe, you can experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredients to make each version uniquely yours. Here are several expanded variations with detailed suggestions:

Classic Vegetable Beef Soup
This variation is perfect for a traditional, hearty bowl. Add root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, and turnips along with green beans and cabbage. These vegetables make the soup chunky and filling while still keeping the broth rich and flavorful. You can also stir in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme near the end to elevate the aroma and complexity. This version is ideal for a comforting meal on cooler days.
Quick 30 Minute Soup Recipe
For busy weeknights, use pre-diced vegetables or leftover cooked beef to cut cooking time. Sauté the aromatics, add broth and vegetables, and let it simmer just enough to blend flavors—about 20 minutes. This version is convenient but still satisfying, delivering the same comforting flavor in half the time. Perfect for home cooks looking for a fast, nourishing dinner without compromising taste.
Southwestern Ground Beef Soup
Add a bold twist with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a touch of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This gives the soup a slightly spicy, smoky flavor profile reminiscent of Southwestern cuisine. Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. It’s a fun, colorful version that feels different from the classic Vegetable Beef Soup while still maintaining its hearty, comforting nature.
Sopa De Verduras Inspired Soup
This variation highlights Mexican flavors. Add diced jalapeños, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. This version is vibrant, slightly tangy, and full of color, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. It’s a perfect twist for those who enjoy fusion or Latin-inspired flavors in their soups.
Ground Beef Stew Style
If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like texture, reduce the amount of broth slightly or allow the soup to simmer longer. Incorporate root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips, and consider adding a small slurry of cornstarch or flour to thicken. This style makes a more filling, hearty dish, almost like a hybrid between a soup and a stew. Perfect for colder weather or a family dinner that requires a substantial, satisfying meal.
Vegetable Medley Variation
This is a flexible, vegetable-forward version that emphasizes seasonal produce. Use zucchini, spinach, kale, peas, or green beans to make the soup lighter yet still nutrient-rich. You can also rotate in other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This variation is ideal for cooks who want a healthy, colorful soup with the richness of ground beef, while maximizing vegetable intake.
Pasta or Rice Addition Variation
For a more substantial meal, stir in small pasta shapes, egg noodles, or cooked rice in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This gives the soup added body and turns it into a one-bowl meal. It works particularly well for kids or for meal prep, as it keeps them full and satisfied longer.

These variations demonstrate the flexibility of ground beef soup recipes. Once you know the basic method, you can mix and match ingredients, adjust textures, and incorporate flavors from different cuisines to keep the recipe exciting and fresh every time you make it. You can also try creamy lasagna soup!

Freezing and Storage

Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to three months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Avoid microwaving for long periods to maintain texture and flavor.
Label containers with date and contents for easy rotation.

Nutritional Information (Approx. values per serving)

Calories: 280
Fat: 12g
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 750mg

Final Words

This ground beef soup recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. Each spoonful delivers a balance of rich, savory beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth, making it a comforting choice for any day of the week. The versatility of this recipe ensures that it fits seamlessly into a busy schedule while still providing the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade dish. It is the kind of soup that makes you feel cared for, whether serving it to family, friends, or enjoying a quiet dinner on your own.

One of the most rewarding aspects of making this soup at home is the ability to customize it to your taste and pantry. You can adjust the vegetable mix based on seasonal availability, tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences, or experiment with variations such as Southwestern, Sopa De Verduras, or stew-style versions. This adaptability ensures that the recipe never feels repetitive, giving you the freedom to explore different flavors and textures while still relying on a trusted, easy-to-follow base. Over time, you may find yourself creating your own signature version that perfectly balances your favorite flavors.

Most importantly, cooking this ground beef soup encourages mindful, rewarding home cooking. The process of browning the beef, sautéing aromatics, and simmering the broth develops not just flavor, but a deeper appreciation for how ingredients come together. Every simmered minute enhances the aroma and taste, rewarding patience and attention. By making this soup, you are not only creating a hearty, delicious meal but also building confidence in the kitchen and a foundation for exploring other homemade soups and stews. It is more than just dinner—it is nourishment, skill-building, and joy, all in one bowl.

FAQ’s

Yes, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Yes, it freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a lighter option and works well in all the variations listed.

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Up to four days in an airtight container.

Yes, add cooked pasta or rice at the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.