Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade ground beef vegetable soup on a chilly evening. This old-fashioned vegetable beef soup combines tender ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and tomatoes in a rich, savory beef broth seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that brings simple ingredients together in one delicious pot.
This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With affordable pantry staples, plenty of colorful vegetables, and simple preparation, it’s a wonderful recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if canned
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook the aromatics. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the vegetables. Stir in the carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes to help develop the flavors.
- Pour in the broth and tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup. Add the green beans, corn, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer until tender. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and vegetables are fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust. Check the seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs if desired. If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add a little extra broth.
- Serve and enjoy. Ladle the hot ground beef vegetable soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad.
Benefits of This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Packed with vegetables: Carrots, celery, green beans, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- A good source of protein: Ground beef supplies protein, iron, and vitamin B12 to help support normal body functions.
- Budget-friendly family dinner: Everyday ingredients make this soup an affordable option for feeding the whole family.
- Easy one-pot cooking: Everything cooks in one pot, helping reduce cleanup after dinner.
- Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and refrigerate or freeze portions for convenient future meals.
- Easy to customize: Use seasonal vegetables, swap in peas or zucchini, or add extra broth to suit your family’s preferences.
- Comforting and satisfying: The combination of tender beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful broth makes this soup especially appealing during cold-weather months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Choose lean ground beef: This helps reduce excess grease while keeping the soup flavorful.
- Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
- Build deeper flavor: Let the beef brown properly before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Make it your own: Add peas, cabbage, zucchini, or other vegetables you already have on hand.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more beef broth for a lighter soup or simmer uncovered briefly for a thicker texture.
- Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in airtight containers within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
