Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a perfect dish for chilly days, offering a comforting, hearty, and flavorful experience. This recipe combines ground beef with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, potatoes, and beans, all simmered together in a savory broth. It’s an easy-to-make, nourishing soup that is both filling and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. The combination of tender vegetables, savory meat, and flavorful herbs makes it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to keep on hand.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef: The heart of the soup, providing a rich and savory base. Ground beef adds protein and depth to the soup while soaking up all the flavors from the vegetables and seasonings.
- 4 carrots (diced): Carrots bring a mild sweetness and crunch to the soup, complementing the other vegetables. They add color and texture, making the soup visually appealing as well as tasty.
- 4 celery ribs (chopped): Celery offers a subtle earthiness and crunch that balances out the other vegetables. It also adds a refreshing freshness to the soup.
- 1 onion (chopped): Onion provides a savory foundation for the soup, offering a sweet and aromatic flavor when sautéed. It enhances the overall depth of the broth.
- 4 potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces): Potatoes are the perfect addition to any hearty soup. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a starchy richness that helps thicken the soup.
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained and rinsed): Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the savory flavors of the beef and broth.
- 1 (15 ounce) can green beans (drained and rinsed): Green beans add a mild, earthy flavor and a firm texture, complementing the other vegetables in the soup.
- 1 (15 ounce) can peas (undrained): The peas add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup, making it more visually appealing and rich in flavor.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Tomato sauce provides the soup with a rich, tangy base. It adds moisture and depth, balancing the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the vegetables and beef.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes (crushed): The crushed tomatoes add acidity and a slightly sweet taste to the soup. They also enhance the soup’s texture by providing chunky tomato bits throughout.
- Ground black pepper to taste: Black pepper adds a slight heat and spice to the soup. It enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 bay leaf (or more to taste): Bay leaves bring a unique, aromatic flavor to the soup. When simmered, they release a subtle, herbal taste that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme: Thyme adds a warm, earthy note to the soup. It pairs perfectly with the other herbs and ingredients, giving the soup a balanced, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ cup water (as needed): Depending on your preferred soup consistency, a little water can be added to ensure the soup reaches the desired texture. It also helps to prevent the soup from becoming too thick during cooking.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by crumbling the ground beef into a stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to break the beef into small pieces. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is evenly browned, crumbly, and no longer pink. The ground beef will release some fat, so once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. This step helps to remove the excess fat and ensures that your soup won’t be too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the Vegetables: Once the beef is browned and drained, add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion to the pot. Stir the vegetables into the beef, allowing them to soften and cook for about 5 minutes. This step will release the sweetness of the onions and carrots and soften the celery, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Canned Ingredients
- Add Potatoes and Canned Vegetables: Stir in the peeled and chopped potatoes, along with the drained corn, green beans, and undrained peas. These vegetables will add texture and flavor to the soup. The potatoes will absorb the broth, thickening the soup and making it more filling. Add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes as well, giving the soup a rich, tangy tomato base.
Step 4: Season the Soup
- Season the Soup: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning with pepper brings a subtle heat to the soup, enhancing the other ingredients. Add the bay leaf and thyme to the soup. Bay leaves have a distinct aromatic flavor that infuses the soup as it simmers. The ground thyme adds a touch of earthiness and depth to the soup.
Step 5: Add Water and Simmer
- Add Water if Needed: Pour in ¼ cup of water to help loosen the soup and ensure there’s enough liquid for the vegetables to cook properly. If the soup becomes too thick during the cooking process, add more water as needed to maintain your preferred consistency.
- Bring to a Simmer: Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and Adjust: After 1 hour of simmering, taste the soup to see if it needs more seasoning. Add extra salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more water if the soup is too thick.
Step 7: Remove the Bay Leaf and Serve
- Remove the Bay Leaf: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf before serving. Bay leaves are not edible, so it’s important to discard them once they’ve infused their flavor into the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty ground beef vegetable soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that come together in this delicious soup!
Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Option
- This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Freezing the Soup
- You can freeze this soup for a later date. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove. If the soup has thickened too much during freezing, add a little extra water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Customizing the Vegetables
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. You can add peas, zucchini, or even green beans if you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for any additional vegetables so they cook properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef. It will still provide a hearty texture but with a leaner option. You can use the same amount of ground turkey as the ground beef in the recipe.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the soup. Frozen vegetables will cook faster than fresh ones, so you might need to adjust the cooking time.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is filling enough on its own, but it pairs well with crusty bread, a green salad, or a side of cornbread for a more complete meal. You could also serve it with a simple cheese toast or a slice of garlic bread.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful broth, tender vegetables, and savory beef, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up on a cold day. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner, and be sure to savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every spoonful.