Step 1: Introduction

When it comes to classic, home-cooked comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty bowl of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. This timeless recipe has been a family favorite for generations, offering a perfect balance of savory beef, tender vegetables, and rich tomato broth. It’s a versatile, one-pot meal that’s simple to make and satisfying for all ages.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. With basic pantry staples like canned vegetables, ground beef, potatoes, and tomatoes, you can create a delicious, filling meal. It’s the ultimate “clean-out-the-fridge” soup, allowing you to customize it based on the vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a meal-prep option that tastes even better the next day, this soup is a winner.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its wholesome nutrition. Packed with protein from ground beef and a colorful medley of vegetables, it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also incredibly filling, making it an ideal choice for cold nights or a simple weeknight dinner. Unlike soups that require long hours of preparation, this one comes together in just over an hour.

Perfect for large batches, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is freezer-friendly and can be enjoyed later as a quick, go-to meal. It’s a budget-friendly dish that can feed a crowd with minimal effort. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal that never fails to impress.

Step 2: Why This Recipe is Perfect

If you’re looking for a simple, filling, and comforting meal, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup checks all the boxes. Here’s why it stands out as the perfect dish for families, busy weeknights, and meal preppers alike.

1. Easy, One-Pot Meal
This soup comes together in a single pot, reducing cleanup time. From browning the ground beef to simmering the vegetables, every step happens in the same pot, keeping kitchen tasks simple and efficient.

3. Customizable and Budget-Friendly
You can customize this soup to suit your taste or pantry ingredients. Swap in zucchini, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables. The affordability of ground beef and canned vegetables makes it an economical option for families on a budget.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a meal-prepper’s dream, as it freezes beautifully and reheats easily. Cook once, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready for the rest of the week.

5. Hearty and Satisfying
Unlike lighter broths, this soup is packed with hearty vegetables and ground beef, making it a filling, full-bodied meal. It’s ideal for cold weather, post-workout recovery, or anytime you want a nourishing, home-cooked dinner.

6. Family-Friendly Flavors
Even picky eaters love this soup. The mild, savory tomato broth is familiar and comforting, while the soft, tender vegetables and ground beef provide kid-friendly textures. It’s a surefire way to sneak in extra veggies for the whole family.

This recipe is the perfect marriage of flavor, convenience, and nutrition, making it a must-have addition to your meal rotation.

Step 3: Ingredients List

To prepare this hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their role in the soup:

2 pounds ground beef 🥩: The main protein source in the soup, ground beef provides heartiness and a rich, meaty flavor. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
4 carrots, diced 🥕: Carrots add natural sweetness, color, and a tender bite to the soup. They provide essential vitamins like beta-carotene (vitamin A) for added nutrition.
4 celery ribs, chopped 🌿: Celery enhances the flavor of the soup with its slightly peppery, aromatic taste. It also adds a subtle crunch.
1 onion, chopped 🧅: Onions form the flavor base of the soup, providing a savory, slightly sweet undertone.
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 🥔: Potatoes make the soup filling and hearty. They release starch as they cook, which helps thicken the broth. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best.
1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed 🌽: Sweet corn kernels provide bursts of sweetness and a pleasant texture.
1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained and rinsed 🌿: Green beans add a pop of color, freshness, and crunch.
1 (15 oz) can peas, undrained 🌱: Canned peas bring a mild sweetness and tender texture to the soup. Keeping the liquid from the can adds extra flavor.
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 🍅: Tomato sauce gives the soup its rich, savory broth, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.
1 (14.5 oz) can whole tomatoes, crushed 🍅: Crushed tomatoes add chunks of texture and a robust tomato flavor.
Ground black pepper (to taste) 🧂: Adds warmth and mild spice.
1 bay leaf (or more to taste) 🍃: Bay leaves infuse the soup with subtle, earthy flavor.
⅛ teaspoon ground thyme 🌿: Thyme adds a hint of floral, earthy notes that enhance the vegetable flavors.
¼ cup water (as needed) 💧: Used to adjust the soup’s consistency while it simmers.

With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need for a hearty, filling, and flavorful soup.

Step 4: Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup in just over an hour.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
Add 2 pounds of ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
Drain and discard any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked beef.
Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Add the potatoes, corn, green beans, undrained peas, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes to the pot.
Season the soup with black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

If the soup is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water. Replenish the water as needed during cooking to maintain the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the soup will thicken as it cooks.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad on the side.

This one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this classic soup! 🍲

With these easy-to-follow instructions, wholesome ingredients, and versatile customization options, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s filling, nutritious, and freezer-friendly—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. This comforting soup is bound to be a regular on your table all year round. 🍲💚

Step 5: Equipment Needed

To prepare Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup. This simple recipe relies on basic kitchen tools that are probably already in your home. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment you’ll need to prepare this hearty and comforting soup.

1. Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven

A large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking this soup. It provides enough space to brown the ground beef, sauté the vegetables, and simmer the soup without spilling over. The heavy base ensures even heat distribution, which prevents burning. Look for a pot with a lid, as you’ll need to cover it while the soup simmers.

2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

A sturdy wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula is essential for stirring the beef and vegetables. You’ll use it to break up the ground beef, stir the soup, and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

3. Cutting Board

Since you’ll be chopping carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, a large cutting board is essential. It provides a stable surface to ensure safe, even chopping of the vegetables. Opt for a non-slip cutting board to avoid accidents.

4. Sharp Chef’s Knife

A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and more precise. A dull knife can make cutting carrots and potatoes difficult, which increases the risk of injury.

5. Can Opener

Since this recipe includes canned peas, green beans, corn, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes, a reliable can opener is a must. Electric or manual, either one works as long as it can easily open cans without jagged edges.

6. Ladle

A ladle is perfect for serving the soup into bowls. It allows you to scoop up both the broth and chunks of vegetables and beef.

7. Measuring Spoons and Cups

Accurate measurements ensure proper seasoning and liquid consistency. You’ll need measuring spoons for spices like thyme, pepper, and bay leaves, and a measuring cup for water.

8. Skimmer or Slotted Spoon (Optional)

A skimmer or slotted spoon is useful if you want to remove excess grease after browning the ground beef. It allows you to scoop out the beef while leaving the grease behind.

With these essential tools, you’ll be fully prepared to make a rich, hearty pot of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. This recipe is simple enough that even a beginner cook can master it with ease.

Step 6: Tips, Swaps, and Variations

This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a classic recipe, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry ingredients. Here are some tips, swaps, and creative variations to make this soup your own.

1. Ingredient Swaps

Protein Swap: Don’t have ground beef? No problem! Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for a new twist on flavor.
Potato Alternatives: Instead of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter soup. You could also try cubed butternut squash for a seasonal fall twist.
More Veggies: Add in fresh or frozen vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Frozen mixed vegetables are an easy, no-chop option.
Tomato Options: If you don’t have canned tomato sauce, swap it for marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes. It will add a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

2. Cooking Tips

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Browning the ground beef and sautéing the veggies before adding the liquid builds a rich flavor base. Skipping this step can result in a bland soup.
Watch the Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick as it simmers, add a bit more water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Remove Bay Leaf: Always remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. While it adds great flavor, it’s not meant to be eaten.

3. Flavor Boosters

Spices & Herbs: If you like bold flavors, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.
Heat Lovers: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Umami Bomb: Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for an umami-rich depth of flavor.

4. Variations

Beef & Barley Soup: Add 1/2 cup of barley to the pot during the simmering stage. It will make the soup heartier and more filling.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and add more low-carb vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or cabbage.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or double up on hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils.

This soup is a blank canvas that allows for endless possibilities. Use these tips to make it your own!

Step 7: Storage and Pairings

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, you’re in luck — it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Label the container with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if needed to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty soup with simple, cozy sides for a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the broth.
Grilled Cheese: A classic combo — who doesn’t love soup and a grilled cheese sandwich?
Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy green salad with vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors of the soup.
Crackers or Breadsticks: Crunchy textures contrast perfectly with the soft vegetables.

With proper storage and delicious pairings, this soup becomes a meal you’ll look forward to again and again.

Step 8: FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the ground beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen veggies like corn, peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables work perfectly. Add them directly to the pot, no need to thaw.

3. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup is too thick, add water or beef broth a little at a time while it simmers. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much liquid can dilute the flavor.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. The flavors meld together overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

5. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?

Yes! Add uncooked pasta or rice during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. If you’re freezing the soup, it’s best to cook the pasta or rice separately to avoid mushy textures.

6. How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during cooking.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work great. Use 4-5 fresh tomatoes, peel and chop them before adding them to the soup.

This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With simple equipment, customizable swaps, and easy storage options, it’s a must-try for every home cook. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh for dinner, this cozy, hearty soup is a crowd-pleaser every time. 🍲💚