This ground beef soup is the perfect comfort food, combining tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy to make, and ideal for busy weeknights or chilly days. With its rich flavor and filling ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Soup
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty bowl of ground beef soup. Whether you’re craving comfort on a cold day or need a quick, filling dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why we think you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have this savory, nourishing meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something delicious with little effort.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this soup with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, potatoes, celery, or even greens—add your favorites for a twist on the classic recipe.
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe is perfect for those who prefer easy cleanup. It all comes together in a single pot, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the savory flavors of this ground beef soup. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying everyone at the dinner table.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you, keeping you full and happy.
With its rich, comforting flavors and simple ingredients, this ground beef soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Ready to give it a try? Let’s move on to the ingredients!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Soup
Ground beef – The main ingredient, offering rich, savory flavor; 80/20 beef is best for balance.
Onion – Provides depth and subtle sweetness; yellow or white onions work well.
Garlic – Adds an aromatic, savory boost; fresh minced garlic is preferred.
Carrots – Contribute natural sweetness and color; fresh is ideal, but frozen works.
Potatoes – Make the soup hearty; Russet for softness, Yukon Gold for firmness.
Celery – Offers mild earthiness and texture; can be replaced with bell peppers or zucchini.
Beef broth – Forms the flavorful base; low-sodium broth allows better salt control.
Diced tomatoes – Add acidity and balance; canned tomatoes are best for consistency.
Dried thyme – Provides warm, herby notes; fresh thyme requires a larger quantity.
Bay leaves – Infuse earthiness but must be removed before serving.
Salt and pepper – Enhance and balance flavors; adjust based on broth’s saltiness.
Instructions for Ground Beef Soup
Making this ground beef soup is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to create a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor!
Cook the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef to the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Final Taste Check: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves, and your soup is ready to serve!
This ground beef soup is perfect for pairing with some warm crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Soup
Making the perfect ground beef soup is all about balance—flavor, texture, and timing. Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup is absolutely delicious:
Brown the Beef Well: Take your time when browning the ground beef. A good sear adds depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step, as it helps develop that rich, savory taste.
Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh carrots, celery, and potatoes will bring extra flavor and texture to your soup. If you’re using frozen vegetables, be sure to add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
Let It Simmer: The longer your soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering to get the best depth of flavor.
Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the soup simmer longer to allow it to reduce. For a more broth-heavy version, feel free to add extra broth or water.
Season to Taste: Every soup needs a bit of salt to bring out its flavors. Be sure to taste your soup at the end and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt and pepper can go a long way in perfecting the flavor profile.
Add Greens for Extra Nutrients: If you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies, spinach, kale, or green beans, they work wonderfully. Just toss them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost without losing the fresh texture.
Serve with a Side: Pair your soup with a simple side like garlic bread, crackers, or a light salad to make the meal even more satisfying.
Variations for Ground Beef Soup
One of the best things about this ground beef soup is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Add Extra Protein: While the ground beef gives this soup its hearty base, feel free to mix in other proteins like cooked sausage, turkey, or even ground chicken for a different flavor profile. For a more filling option, try adding beans like kidney beans or black beans.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can adjust the spice level to match your taste, from mild to extra spicy!
Switch Up the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers all work great in this soup. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, cauliflower can be a great substitute for potatoes.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can add a new layer of flavor to the soup. If you want a more Italian-style soup, you can toss in some Italian seasoning or fresh thyme to enhance the taste.
Make It Creamy: For a creamier version of the soup, stir in a little heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk toward the end of cooking. This will give your soup a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for cozy nights.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Soup
Serving your ground beef soup with the right accompaniments can take the meal to the next level. Here are some simple and delicious ideas to round out the dish:
Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with a warm loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth, making every bite even more satisfying.
Garlic Bread: For a bit of extra flavor, pair your ground beef soup with homemade garlic bread. The crispy, buttery texture complements the soup’s warmth and savory flavors.
Side Salad: A light, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the hearty, rich soup. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a cucumber-tomato salad to keep things fresh.
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FAQs for Ground Beef Soup
How long does ground beef soup last in the fridge?
Ground beef soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I make ground beef soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, ground beef soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this ground beef soup is perfect for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a hands-off cooking experience.
Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
Definitely! While ground beef is the star of this soup, you can easily swap it out for other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. These alternatives offer a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
ground beef soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 medium potatoes diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef – Brown the beef in a pot over medium heat, drain excess fat, and return it to the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables – Cook onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes – Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Season the Soup – Mix in thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Simmer – Let the soup cook for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Final Taste Check – Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve hot.