This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the perfect blend of rich beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for cold days when you crave something nourishing and heart-warming. With ingredients like potatoes, green beans, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, this dish promises depth in every bite. Not only is it easy to make, but this soup also stores well, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Whether served as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, it delivers comfort in every spoonful. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can green beans
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef browns completely.
- Stir in carrots and celery, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Italian seasoning and bay leaf, stirring for another 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Toss in the diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth, tomatoes (with juice), tomato soup, and tomato paste.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for a tangy depth.
- Stir in the green beans and corn. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until all vegetables are fork-tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 per serving | Servings: 6
The Story Behind Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a timeless classic that transcends generations, making it a staple in households around the world. Its origins lie in the tradition of hearty, one-pot meals where resourcefulness was key. Historically, families would use whatever vegetables were available and pair them with affordable cuts of meat—such as ground beef—to create something filling, nutritious, and flavorful. This soup is often reminiscent of old-fashioned kitchen cooking, where simplicity met satisfaction.
In the modern kitchen, the appeal of this soup remains just as strong, particularly for busy individuals looking for a healthy and convenient option. It brings together easily accessible pantry ingredients, meaning there’s no need for elaborate preparation. Whether you’re looking to feed a family, meal-prep for the week, or make the most of vegetables nearing their prime, this soup is the perfect solution.
Why Ground Beef Vegetable Soup Stands Out
- Versatile and Customizable
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or availability. Swap green beans for peas, or add leafy greens like spinach or kale. If you prefer a richer texture, you could include pasta, barley, or rice. For a low-carb option, cauliflower can substitute the potatoes, creating a keto-friendly version. This adaptability makes it a beloved favorite in various diets. - Balanced Nutrition in One Bowl
With the right balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup offers a complete and wholesome meal. Lean ground beef provides essential proteins and amino acids, while the medley of vegetables—like carrots, potatoes, and celery—offers fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Tomatoes provide antioxidants such as lycopene, known for their health benefits. Plus, the broth helps keep you hydrated, especially in cooler weather when we tend to drink less water. - A Perfect Comfort Food for All Seasons
While many soups are associated with winter months, this one shines year-round. In autumn or winter, it warms the soul, offering a rich, hearty bowl to combat chilly weather. In spring and summer, it’s equally enjoyable as a light meal, particularly when fresh seasonal vegetables are used.
Health Benefits of Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Immune System Support: This soup is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, boosting immunity and overall wellness. The garlic and onion in the recipe contain allicin, a compound known to have antimicrobial properties, which helps fight colds and infections.
- Heart Health: Lean ground beef reduces the saturated fat content typically associated with red meat, making this a heart-healthy dish. Tomatoes, with their lycopene, are also known to reduce oxidative stress and promote heart health.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, this soup makes you feel full longer, curbing unnecessary snacking. It’s an excellent choice for those following calorie-controlled diets or those looking to shed a few pounds.
Meal Prep and Storage Benefits
One of the biggest perks of this dish is how well it stores. You can prepare a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and if you freeze it, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. This soup is also a great option for freezer meals. Simply portion it into airtight containers or resealable bags, making it easy to pull out for a quick dinner or lunch when you’re short on time.
When reheating, you can enhance the flavors by adding a little extra seasoning, broth, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It’s like the flavors improve over time, making leftovers even more enjoyable!
A Budget-Friendly Choice
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is perfect for feeding a crowd without stretching your budget. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and there are no fancy tools or exotic items required. Canned vegetables and broth, combined with fresh produce, offer the best of both worlds: affordability and flavor. This soup is also a great way to reduce food waste by utilizing vegetables or meat leftovers that might otherwise go unused.
Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor
- Brown the Ground Beef Thoroughly: Make sure the beef is browned well to develop a deeper, richer flavor. Don’t rush this step—allow the beef to caramelize slightly for that signature savory taste.
- Layering Flavors: Add the Italian seasoning and bay leaf during the cooking process to ensure the herbs have time to infuse into the broth. This enhances the soup’s overall taste.
- Customize the Broth: For a heartier broth, you can add a touch of red wine or substitute some of the water with vegetable broth for a richer taste.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a small portion of the cooked vegetables and return it to the pot. This creates a velvety texture without the need for cream.
What Makes Ground Beef Vegetable Soup the Best Choice?
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoyment! All the ingredients come together in a single pot, which makes preparation and cleanup easy.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults. You can adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
- Comfort and Nostalgia: There’s something about the warm, familiar taste of vegetable soup that takes us back to childhood memories. Whether it reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen or a cozy night at home, this dish taps into a universal love for simple, hearty meals.
Pairing Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic bread, such as a crusty baguette or a slice of homemade cornbread. A side salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the soup’s heartiness. For an extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar on top just before serving.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a shining example of how simplicity can lead to greatness. With its straightforward ingredients and endless adaptability, it offers not only nourishment but also joy and comfort. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights, long winter evenings, or anytime you need a wholesome and delicious meal. Add it to your meal rotation, and it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.
