Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Our Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is exactly that – a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a delicious broth that will warm you from the inside out. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something truly nourishing.

What makes this soup so special is how incredibly easy and quick it is to prepare. Most of the cooking time is hands-off simmering, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful and complete meal with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

So, get ready to gather your ingredients and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. We can’t wait for you to try it!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes

Small tip: Chop all your vegetables ahead of time to make the cooking process even smoother and faster. This is called “mise en place” and it’s a chef’s best friend!

Ingredients

Makes 6-8 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup frozen cut green beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

   Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.

   Small tip: Drain any excess fat from the pot after browning the beef to keep your soup less greasy and healthier.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

   Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. They should be slightly tender but not fully cooked yet.

3. Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

   Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step really helps to build a deep flavor foundation for your soup.

4. Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

   Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. Then, add the beef broth and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to start cooking through. The potatoes will absorb some of the delicious broth.

6. Step 6: Add Remaining Vegetables

   After 20 minutes, uncover the pot and add the frozen green beans, corn, and peas. Stir them into the soup. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

   Small tip: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

7. Step 7: Finish and Serve

   Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan or Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef. Instead, use a plant-based ground “meat” substitute or add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking. For extra protein, stir in a can of drained cannellini beans or black beans along with the frozen vegetables.
• Spicy Version: For a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic and herbs. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to individual bowls.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of savory flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar along with the beef broth. This can really deepen the umami notes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 10g

Please note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.

Health Benefits

This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a powerhouse of nutrition, thanks to its wholesome ingredients. The lean ground beef provides a fantastic source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and is rich in iron and zinc, vital for energy and immune function.

The array of vegetables in this soup contributes a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, crucial for good vision and skin. Celery offers Vitamin K and antioxidants, while potatoes provide potassium and Vitamin C.

Adding frozen green beans, corn, and peas boosts the fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. They also bring in B vitamins and more antioxidants, supporting overall cellular health.

The tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its heart-healthy benefits. Overall, this soup is a balanced meal that supports a healthy immune system, provides sustained energy, and contributes to your daily vegetable intake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty soup with a crusty loaf of bread or warm cornbread for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete and balanced meal.
• This soup is robust enough to be a main dish on its own, but it can also be a comforting starter for a larger family dinner.
• Meal Prep Ideas: Cook a large batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully!

Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of extra broth if it seems too thick.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly wonderful recipe for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup that delivers on both flavor and ease. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, offering warmth, comfort, and a delicious taste of home. We love how versatile it is, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

We encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a nourishing and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a little culinary pick-me-up.

So, gather your loved ones, ladle out some bowls of this delightful soup, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade meal. Happy cooking!