When you’re craving a warm, filling, and wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly, few dishes hit the mark quite like Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. This classic comfort food combines tender ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth into one soul-soothing bowl. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is a family favorite that never goes out of style.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the history of this humble soup, the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and tips to make it your own. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this guide will help you create a pot of soup that’s hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious.
A Brief History of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ground beef vegetable soup has its roots in traditional peasant cuisine, where families used affordable ingredients and leftovers to create nourishing meals. It became particularly popular during the Great Depression and wartime periods, as ground beef and vegetables were relatively inexpensive and easy to stretch into large meals.
Over time, this simple soup became a staple in American kitchens and diners. Its appeal lies in its versatility—there’s no strict recipe, which means you can adapt it to whatever vegetables or pantry items you have on hand. Despite its simplicity, the rich flavor and comfort it brings make it a timeless classic.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There’s a lot to love about ground beef vegetable soup:
Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned tomatoes.
Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and fiber.
Easy to Make: Comes together in under an hour with minimal prep.
Customizable: Use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Freezer-Friendly: Makes great leftovers and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need, with flexibility for substitutions:
Main Ingredients:
Ground Beef – Lean ground beef (85%-90%) provides great flavor without excessive grease.
Onion and Garlic – Essential aromatics that form the soup’s flavor base.
Potatoes – Russet or Yukon gold are great choices for a hearty texture.
Carrots and Celery – Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and depth.
Green Beans – Fresh or frozen green beans give the soup a crisp bite.
Corn and Peas – For sweetness and color.
Canned Diced Tomatoes – Adds tang and body to the broth.
Beef Broth – Provides a rich, savory base.
Tomato Paste – Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, parsley, and bay leaf.
Optional Add-Ins:
Bell peppers
Zucchini or yellow squash
Cabbage
Kidney beans or lentils
A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste
Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes. Then add tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables and beef.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (with their juice). Add green beans, corn, peas, thyme, oregano, parsley, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well developed.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Soup
Use fresh vegetables when possible, but don’t hesitate to use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or plan to store it for later, as it will thicken slightly as it cools.
Brown the meat well to develop deep, savory flavor.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
Use leftovers: Stir in leftover rice, pasta, or cooked grains for extra heartiness.
Variations to Try
Italian-Style Ground Beef Soup: Add Italian seasoning and small pasta like ditalini or orzo. Top with grated Parmesan.
Southwestern Version: Use cumin, chili powder, black beans, and diced green chiles.
Low-Carb/Keto Option: Skip the potatoes and corn, and add more low-carb veggies like zucchini and spinach.
Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef and sauté the onions/garlic first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating:
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. The flavors improve with time!
Freezing:
Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will last up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
With Bread: Crusty French bread, garlic toast, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
On the Side: A simple salad with vinaigrette.
For Garnish: Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Health Benefits
Ground beef vegetable soup is more than just comfort food—it’s good for you too:
High in protein from the beef.
Rich in fiber and vitamins from the vegetables.
Hydrating and low in calories per serving.
Heartwarming—literally and figuratively!
Make It a Meal Plan Staple
This soup is a dream for meal preppers. One large pot yields multiple servings, and it keeps and reheats extremely well. Portion it into containers for weekday lunches, or freeze half the batch for future dinners.
You can also turn it into a two-in-one meal: serve it over rice one night, then pair it with pasta or crusty bread the next.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the kind of dish that brings people together—around the table, on a busy weeknight, or during a cozy weekend at home. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and satisfying to eat. Whether you're ladling it into bowls for your family or packing it into containers for a week of lunches, this hearty soup will quickly become a go-to favorite.