As I stirred the pot, a wave of savory scents enveloped my kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy family dinners of my childhood. This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is not just a hearty one-pot meal; it’s a warm embrace after a long day. Packed with protein-rich ground beef and a vibrant medley of vegetables, it’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet remains budget-friendly. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or prepping for a meal ahead, this soup will nurture both body and soul. Plus, with its versatility in ingredients, you can easily whip it up with whatever you have on hand. Ready to savor a bowl of nostalgia that’s wholesome and fulfilling? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is This Soup a Must-Try? Comforting and Nourishing: This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup combines protein-packed beef with a hearty assortment of colorful vegetables, making it the perfect dish for any comfort food lover. Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, it’s an easy way to feed the family without breaking the bank, similar to favorites like Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup. Meal Prep Hero: Prepare big batches ahead of time and freeze portions for quick, homemade meals on busy days. Adaptable: Use seasonal veggies or even swap the beef for turkey; the delicious flavor remains unmatched. Ultimate Cozy Experience: Each bowl is a heartwarming hug, perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light salad for a satisfying meal! Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Ingredients • This ingredient list will help you create a comforting and delicious soup the whole family will love! For the Soup Base Ground Beef – Adds protein and richness; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. Tomato Sauce – Forms the flavorful base; can swap with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Whole Tomatoes – Provides fresh flavor; fresh tomatoes can be used if canned is unavailable. For the Vegetables Carrots – Adds sweetness and texture; both fresh and frozen work well. Celery – Brings a slight crunch; omit if you don’t have any on hand. Onion – Enhances flavor with aromatic qualities; shallots can serve as a good replacement. Potatoes – Offers heartiness; substitute with sweet potatoes for a different twist. Whole Kernel Corn – Contributes sweetness and texture; use canned or frozen. Green Beans – Adds fiber and freshness; fresh beans work best or swap with broccoli. Peas – Provides a pop of sweetness; can use edamame as an alternative. For Seasoning Ground Black Pepper – Offers essential seasoning; adjust to taste as you go. Bay Leaf – Imparts herbal notes; consider using fresh herbs instead if you prefer. Ground Thyme – Adds earthy flavor; omit if you have fresh thyme or prefer Italian seasoning. For Consistency Water – Adjusts the soup thickness; using beef broth enhances flavor significantly. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Step 1: Brown the Beef In a medium-high stockpot, heat your favorite cooking oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. As the beef sizzles, the enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside for later. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced onion. Sauté these vibrant vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their fragrant aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. This colorful medley will provide a delightful base for your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Now it’s time to bring this wholesome soup together! Stir in the cubed potatoes, corn, green beans, and peas along with their liquid. Then, add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, mixing everything until it’s well blended. Season the mixture generously with ground black pepper, a bay leaf, and thyme to enhance the soup’s savory flavor. Step 4: Simmer the Soup Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy the delicious scents wafting from your stovetop as the soup cooks. Step 5: Finish and Serve After simmering, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot. The soup is now ready to serve! Ladle generous portions of your hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup into bowls, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal. Savor the warmth and feel the comfort of home-cooked goodness. Make Ahead Options This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can cook the entire soup and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to maintain its delicious flavor and prevent browning. If you’d like to prep in advance, chop the vegetables and brown the beef, storing them separately in the fridge for 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a pot, add your liquids, and simmer until heated through. This way, you’ll savor a warm, hearty bowl of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup with minimal effort! What to Serve with Comforting Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Elevate your meal experience with delightful side dishes that will beautifully complement the cozy flavors of your comforting soup. Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm loaf of crusty bread adds a satisfyingly chewy texture and indulgent flavor. Whether baguette or sourdough, it transforms your soup into a heartier meal. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad featuring mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes brings crunch and a light contrast to the rich soup, enhancing your dining experience. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette to awaken the palate. Garlic Bread: This crispy and buttery treat offers a delectable richness that pairs perfectly with the savory broth, delivering an aromatic experience with every bite. Slice it up and let the family enjoy while soaking up the flavors. Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy snacks add a savory, cheesy flavor that contrasts nicely with the soup’s texture. Simply bake parmesan in small circles until golden for a delightful twist. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, bring warmth and a hint of caramelization that complements the soup beautifully. The sweetness from roasting elevates the overall flavor profile. Cheese-Stuffed Peppers: These vibrant bites add color and creaminess to your meal. The cheese beautifully melts while providing a delightful peppery bite; perfect for adults and kids alike! Herbed Quinoa: Light and nutty quinoa, seasoned with fresh herbs, offers a nutritious complement with added protein. It’s a fantastic base if you prefer a heartier meal without sacrificing health. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp provides a sweet, fruity contrast to savory flavors, leaving a delightful finish to your cozy dining experience. Hot Tea or Lemonade: Sip on soothing hot tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade to cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing the comforting experience of your ground beef vegetable soup. Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Variations Feel free to customize your soup experience with these delightful twists that enhance flavor and cater to your preferences! Turkey Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, leaner dish without sacrificing taste. It still offers that satisfying comfort we’re all looking for. Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate any fresh vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for a colorful boost and added nutrition. Each change adds a new layer of freshness! Pasta or Rice Addition: For an even heartier meal, toss in cooked pasta or rice. This adds texture and makes it even more filling, perfect for those chilly evenings! Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring a little heat. Your taste buds will dance with excitement as they encounter every spoonful. Herb Boost: Swap the dried herbs for fresh ones like parsley or basil as a finishing touch for a burst of bright, aromatic flavor. Fresh herbs can completely elevate the dish! Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half before serving for a rich and luxurious twist on the usual soup. It turns the broth into a velvety dream. Vegetable-Heavy: Load up on veggies by doubling the amount of carrots, green beans, and peas or incorporating more like spinach or kale. Each bite will be bursting with health and goodness! Consider integrating some seasonal favorites into your version, just like in my comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Melt or hearty Colcannon Soup for even more inspiration on how to create a nourishing meal. Enjoy exploring these variations! Expert Tips for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Flavorful Base: Use beef broth instead of water to elevate the flavor of your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. It adds richness that plain water simply can’t match. Don’t Rush Cooking: Allowing the soup to simmer for a full hour helps develop deeper flavors. Stir occasionally, ensuring the veggies are tender and the aromas are delightful. Check Seasoning Last: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjusting seasonings at the end ensures balanced flavors without overwhelming the dish. Thickening Tricks: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot or incorporate a cornstarch slurry. This will achieve a hearty consistency without adding unnecessary calories. Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container; they’re good for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to reheat thoroughly! How to Store and Freeze Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Fridge: Store your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out excess air. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Serving Freshness: Always add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore the soup’s desired consistency as flavors may intensify during freezing. Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting vegetables for the soup? Absolutely! When choosing vegetables, opt for fresh, vibrant produce without any dark spots or signs of wilting. Carrots should be firm, celery crisp, and potatoes should have smooth skin free from blemishes. If using frozen vegetables, ensure they are not freezer-burned. How long can I store the soup in the fridge? You can keep your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain its freshness and flavor. Can I freeze the Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, and how? Very! To freeze, cool the soup entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It’s best to freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat in a pot. What if my soup turns out too thin? No worries! If you find your soup’s consistency isn’t thick enough, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the pot’s side to thicken it naturally. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. Is this Ground Beef Vegetable Soup safe for my dog to eat? While ground beef is generally safe for dogs in moderation, be cautious! Avoid adding seasonings or any vegetables that can be toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic. Always consult with your veterinarian before sharing human food with your furry friend. Can I make this soup gluten-free? Of course! This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all your ingredients, including canned tomatoes and broth, are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure! Enjoy a comforting and safe meal for your dietary needs. Savory Ground Beef Vegetable Soup for Cozy Nights In This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting, protein-rich dish packed with a vibrant medley of vegetables. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: SoupCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey15 ounces Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes14.5 ounces Whole Tomatoes or fresh tomatoesFor the Vegetables2 medium Carrots diced2 stalks Celery chopped1 medium Onion diced2 medium Potatoes cubed1 cup Whole Kernel Corn canned or frozen1 cup Green Beans fresh or frozen1 cup Peas or edamameFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper adjust to taste1 leaf Bay Leaf consider using fresh herbs1 teaspoon Ground Thyme or fresh thymeFor Consistency4 cups Water or beef broth Equipment stockpotwooden spoon Method Step 1: Brown the BeefIn a medium-high stockpot, heat your favorite cooking oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.Step 2: Sauté the VegetablesIn the same pot, add diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened.Step 3: Combine IngredientsStir in cubed potatoes, corn, green beans, and peas along with their liquid. Add tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, mixing until well blended. Season with ground black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme.Step 4: Simmer the SoupBring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 1 hour.Step 5: Finish and ServeRemove the bay leaf from the pot. Serve hot, paired with crusty bread or crackers. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop over low heat, adding water or broth as needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
