This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, tomatoes, and savory broth in one comforting pot. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner while remaining simple to prepare with everyday ingredients. Whether you need a cozy meal on a chilly evening or an easy weeknight dinner, this homemade vegetable soup is a practical and flavorful choice.
Jump to RecipeWhy This Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Works
This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a filling and flavorful meal without complicated preparation. Browning the ground beef first gives the soup a deeper savory flavor, while tomatoes and beef broth create a rich base for the vegetables.
The recipe is also easy to customize depending on what you have in the kitchen. Potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, peas, or other favorite vegetables can be added to make the soup more substantial. Everything simmers together in one pot, making cleanup easier and giving the flavors time to blend.
For another comforting beef dinner, you can also try our Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, which uses seasoned ground beef in a cheesy pasta casserole.
What Goes Into This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to make a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal.
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
These measurements create a balanced soup with plenty of ground beef, vegetables, and savory tomato broth without making the soup overly thick or salty.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add 1 small chopped yellow onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Tomato Broth
Stir in one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Vegetables
Add 2 diced Yukon Gold potatoes and 2 sliced carrots. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes.
Add 1 cup of green beans and 1 cup of frozen corn. Continue simmering uncovered for another 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Finish the Soup
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Rich and Flavorful
A few simple techniques can make a big difference in the final flavor of this easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe.
Brown the Beef Well
Let the ground beef develop some color before adding the broth. Browning creates savory flavors that give the soup a deeper, more satisfying taste. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, but avoid stirring constantly.
Sauté the Aromatics
Give the onion a few minutes to soften before adding the garlic and seasonings. This creates a more flavorful foundation for the tomato and beef broth.
Simmer Gently
Once the broth has been added, keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. A steady simmer allows the vegetables to become tender while helping the flavors blend together.
Add Vegetables at the Right Time
Not all vegetables cook at the same speed. Potatoes and carrots need more time, while green beans and corn can be added later. This helps keep the vegetables tender without turning them mushy.
Adjust the Consistency
If the soup seems too thick, add a small amount of additional beef broth. If you prefer a richer, more concentrated broth, simmer the soup uncovered for several extra minutes before serving.
Finish With Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a light, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the beef and tomato broth. Stir it in after removing the pot from the heat for the best flavor.
Easy Ways to Customize This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
One of the best things about this easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe is how easily you can adjust it to suit your family or the ingredients you already have.
Add More Vegetables
You can increase the amount of vegetables for an even heartier soup. Diced zucchini, peas, bell peppers, celery, or spinach can work well. Add softer vegetables closer to the end of cooking so they keep their texture.
Make It Spicier
For a little extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a small amount of hot sauce just before serving.
Use Different Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes give the soup a creamy, tender texture, while russet potatoes create a softer, more substantial bite. Sweet potatoes can also be used if you want a slightly sweeter flavor.
Try a Different Protein
Ground turkey can replace the ground beef if you prefer a lighter variation. Ground chicken can also work, although the overall flavor will be milder. Whichever protein you use, cook ground meat thoroughly before serving.
Add Beans for Extra Heartiness
For a more filling soup, stir in one can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or white beans during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
If you enjoy hearty ground beef meals, our Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe With Beans is another comforting option with a rich tomato base and beans.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a simple side can turn it into a more complete family dinner.
Crusty Bread
Warm crusty bread is an easy choice for soaking up the flavorful tomato and beef broth. Garlic bread or a simple dinner roll can work just as well.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad adds freshness and a lighter contrast to the warm, savory soup. Keep the dressing simple so it does not compete with the flavors of the broth.
Crackers or Toast
For a quick weeknight meal, serve the soup with your favorite crackers or slices of toasted bread. This is especially convenient when you want something simple with minimal preparation.
Roasted Vegetables
If you want even more vegetables, serve a small portion of roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots alongside the soup. For another easy beef dinner with vegetables, try our Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Add Fresh Toppings
A sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten each bowl. You can also add a little shredded Parmesan cheese or a small spoonful of sour cream if you enjoy a richer finish.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
This easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe is convenient for meal prep because the flavors can become even more developed after the soup rests. Store leftovers properly so they stay safe and enjoyable.
Refrigerate Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to shallow airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. The USDA recommends keeping leftovers refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below and using them within 3–4 days.
For more detailed guidance, see the USDA’s Leftovers and Food Safety guide.
Reheat Gently
Reheat only the amount you plan to eat. Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot throughout. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened in the refrigerator.
Freeze for Longer Storage
If you won’t eat the leftovers within a few days, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator before reheating when possible.
Potatoes can become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the soup will still make a convenient make-ahead meal.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Yes. Frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be added directly to the soup. Add them toward the end of cooking so they do not become overly soft.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef in equal amounts. The flavor will be milder, so you may want to add a little extra seasoning or garlic.
How Do I Keep the Vegetables From Getting Mushy?
Add vegetables according to their cooking time. Start with firm vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, then add green beans and corn later. Avoid boiling the soup aggressively.
More Easy Beef Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this easy ground beef vegetable soup recipe, there are plenty of other comforting beef dinners to add to your weekly meal plan.
For a creamy pasta dinner, try our Easy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe, which combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
If you prefer a rich and creamy skillet meal, our Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe pairs tender beef with a savory creamy sauce.
For a cozy dinner with rich gravy, Easy Beef Tips and Gravy is another hearty option that works especially well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
You can also try Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe when you’re looking for tender beef, savory gravy, and comforting noodles in one satisfying meal.
These recipes offer different ways to enjoy simple beef ingredients while keeping weeknight cooking approachable.
Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes.
- Add the green beans and frozen corn. Continue simmering uncovered for another 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes if using.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little more beef broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Notes
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Brown the ground beef well to develop deeper savory flavor.
- Add vegetables according to their cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Frozen vegetables can be used instead of fresh vegetables.
- Add extra beef broth if the soup becomes too thick.
A Cozy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup for Any Night
This homemade soup is a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into a warm and satisfying family meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, tomatoes, and savory broth creates plenty of flavor without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weeknight, preparing meals ahead of time, or looking for something comforting on a chilly evening, this soup is easy to adapt to your needs. Serve it with warm bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a hearty homemade dinner that everyone can share.