Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, Ready in 45 Minutes

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In This Recipe

There is something deeply comforting about a pot of hot soup bubbling on the stove, and ground beef soup recipes deliver that comfort in a snap. These soups are easy to customize, feed a crowd, and turn everyday pantry staples into a bowl that feels like a hug. Whether you are serving this for a casual weeknight dinner, a holiday buffet, or a cozy family activity where everyone helps chop and stir, this recipe is built to please. For this article I focus on a versatile, kid-friendly, and hearty ground beef vegetable soup you can make in about 45 minutes, with simple swaps to fit your pantry and preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and filling, ready in about 30 to 45 minutes for busy nights.
• Budget friendly: ground beef stretches with vegetables and broth for big batches.
• Highly adaptable: swap vegetables, add pasta, or turn it creamy without losing flavor.
• Family friendly: picky eaters enjoy the mild tomato and beef base; kids can help with stirring.
• Excellent for meal prep and freezing in portions for quick lunches or dinners.

how to make Classic Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

This is a simple, proven approach that yields a rich, balanced soup that showcases the ground beef and a medley of vegetables.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean, drained if necessary.
  Explanation: lean beef browns well and keeps fat manageable.
• 1 medium onion, diced, adds savory depth.
• 2 to 3 carrots, sliced, for sweetness and texture.
• 2 stalks celery, diced, classic base flavor.
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, for heartiness (optional, use extra veggies instead).
• 1 (14 to 15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices, for body and brightness.
• 6 cups beef or low-sodium broth, adjust for desired thickness.
• 1 to 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables or green beans and corn, for color and nutrition.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and basil.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami (optional).
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil for sautéing.
• Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for serving (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Drain excess fat if needed, then push the beef to one side and add oil if the pot is dry. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, potatoes, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
6. Add frozen vegetables and simmer an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or Parmesan, with crusty bread or crackers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Soup

• Use lean ground beef to avoid overly greasy broth. Drain if needed.
• Brown beef in batches if your pot is crowded to encourage caramelization and deeper flavor.
• Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth after browning to lift flavorful browned bits.
• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• If you want a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or a slurry of flour and cold water near the end.
• For more depth, add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of red wine when deglazing.
• Taste and adjust seasoning only after vegetables have softened and the soup has had time to simmer.
• Freeze portions in airtight containers leaving headspace; thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Soup tastes flat: it likely needs salt or acid. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon to brighten it.
• Greasy broth: use lean beef or drain excess fat after browning. Skim the surface after cooling slightly.
• Vegetables undercooked: cut smaller or simmer a bit longer; add starchy items like potatoes earlier.
• Soup too thin: simmer uncovered to reduce or add a small slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water.

Variations to Try

• Taco style: add taco seasoning and top with shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.
• Lasagna soup: add tomato paste, Italian herbs, and broken lasagna noodles; finish with ricotta and mozzarella.
• Creamy potato and beef: finish with cream for a chowder-like version.
• Cabbage and beef soup: swap potatoes for shredded cabbage for a lighter, earthy bowl.
• Slow cooker: brown beef and combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerate: cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: portion into meal-sized containers, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Make ahead: soup often tastes better the next day; make a day ahead and reheat, adding a splash of broth if thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works. Use extra seasoning and a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for extra savoriness.

Q: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A: Yes, add small pasta in the last 10 minutes of cooking, or cook separately and add to bowls to avoid soggy pasta.

Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: Yes, freeze in single servings. Avoid freezing with cream added; add cream when reheating.

Nutrition or Dietary Adaptations

• Lower calorie: use 93 percent lean ground beef or ground turkey and increase vegetables.
• Vegan: substitute crumbled firm tofu or lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-free: confirm broth and seasonings are gluten-free; avoid adding flour thickeners.
• Nut free: recipe is naturally nut free; avoid pesto or nut-based garnishes.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot for even heat.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
• Ladle for serving.
• Sharp chef knife and cutting board for prep.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or cornbread.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a swirl of sour cream.
• Pack in jars for lunch-on-the-go or ladle over cooked rice for a heartier bowl.
• Makes a thoughtful homemade gift when frozen in labeled containers.

Conclusion

Ground beef soup recipes are a cozy, practical staple you will come back to again and again. They are fast, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Try this recipe, tweak it to your tastes, and share your favorite variation in the comments below. If you love this, please share with a friend who needs a warm, simple dinner idea.