Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup – Quick, Cozy, and Delicious

Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the kind of cozy, one-pot dinner that saves you on those wild weeknights when everyone’s hungry, but you’re short on time and patience. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes—yes, really. The tender ground beef blends beautifully with chunks of veggies and rich beef broth, creating a soul-warming meal that feels homemade without the marathon cooking session.

I’ve made this countless times when my family’s begging for something comforting, but I don’t want to spend an hour stirring a pot. You can swap in turkey or chicken if you’re cutting back on red meat, and the best part? You can toss in whatever veggies you have in your fridge. Keep reading because this Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup might just become your go-to weeknight lifesaver.

Table of Contents

What is Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?

Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the definition of comfort food in a bowl. It’s a mix of sautéed onions, garlic, and ground beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes in a savory beef broth. It’s not fancy—just honest, home-cooked goodness. The magic lies in how everything comes together so quickly yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Think of it as a mix between your grandma’s vegetable soup and a rustic stew you’d crave on a cold evening. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup’s flexibility makes it a total winner. You can customize the veggies, adjust the seasonings, or use turkey for a leaner version. For another cozy option, check out my Creamy Crockpot Cowboy Soup—it’s another reader favorite.

Reasons to Try Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

There are about a dozen reasons, but let’s start with the big ones. First, it’s quick—like, genuinely quick. From chopping to simmering, you’re eating in under 30 minutes. Second, it’s budget-friendly. Ground beef and everyday veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery keep costs low while packing in nutrients. Third, cleanup is blissfully easy because it’s all made in one pot.

But maybe the best reason? It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy—from toddlers to picky teens to your spouse who claims to “not love soup.” You can easily double the batch for leftovers or freeze half for those nights when you just can’t deal. If you love this kind of hearty dish, you’ll also adore my Crock Pot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup—it’s equally rich and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

For the Soup Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 medium white onion (yellow works too)
1 pound ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
2 cloves fresh garlic (or garlic powder)
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

For the Vegetables:
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 russet potatoes, chopped
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

For Seasoning:
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Making this Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup step by step is not only simple—it’s actually kind of fun. Think of it as layering cozy flavors one by one until your kitchen smells like pure comfort. Let’s walk through each step carefully so you can get that rich, hearty flavor every single time.

Step 1: Heat the Pot and Build Your Flavor Base

Start by placing a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil—this helps everything cook evenly without sticking. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion, ground beef, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir often as the beef browns and the veggies start to soften, about 5–7 minutes. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen starts smelling like Sunday dinner.

Browning the beef properly at this step seals in flavor and creates a rich base that makes the soup taste like it simmered for hours. If you’re looking for tips on browning beef without drying it out, check out my Crock Pot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup where I break down that process perfectly.

Step 2: Stir in the Tomato Paste and Build Depth

Once the beef is browned, add a tablespoon of tomato paste (optional but highly recommended). Stir it in well and let it cook for about a minute. This little moment of patience—allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly—adds an incredible umami kick to your Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup. You’ll notice the color deepen and the aroma become richer.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Now it’s time to build that comforting soup base. Add your chopped potatoes, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently so the flavors start to mingle. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. During this step, the potatoes start to soften, soaking up all the savory goodness from the broth and seasonings.

If you prefer a slightly thicker texture, mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot with your spoon—an old family trick that works wonders. For more inspiration on using potatoes in comforting soups, check out my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes—it’s a great companion to this recipe.

Step 4: Add Mixed Vegetables and Adjust Seasonings

After the soup has simmered for about 10 minutes, toss in 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. These not only add color and texture but also make this recipe a lifesaver for busy nights. Simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste your soup at this point and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, broths can vary in saltiness, so start light and build up gradually. The step by step process here helps you layer flavor carefully rather than dumping everything in at once. If you want to experiment with veggie combinations, check out my Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup—it’s packed with great substitution ideas.

Step 5: Finish and Serve with Fresh Herbs

Once the potatoes are tender and the broth tastes rich and balanced, it’s time for the final touches. Remove the bay leaf—it did its job—and stir in fresh parsley or chopped chives for brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a slice of buttered toast or a warm biscuit. Each bite should have a bit of everything—soft veggies, hearty beef, and that irresistible savory broth that makes this soup a family favorite.

Step 6: Make It Your Own (Optional Step by Step Upgrades)

If you want to customize your Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, this step by step guide gives you room to play. You can:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end for an extra boost of greens.
• Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half for a slightly creamy texture (it’s heavenly).
• Toss in some cooked rice or pasta for a heartier version.

For those who love experimenting, you might enjoy my Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole—it’s another comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a cozy night in.

Step 7: Clean-Up Tip (Because We All Appreciate That!)

This is technically not part of the cooking, but it’s an important step in the step by step process. Since this soup is a true one-pot wonder, cleanup is refreshingly easy. Just rinse your pot with warm water while it’s still a bit warm (but not hot), and nothing will stick. You’ll be back on the couch with your soup in hand in no time.

By following this Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup step by step guide, you’ll have a flavorful, balanced meal on the table in just 30 minutes—without the stress. And if you’re looking for another easy one-pot dinner, don’t miss my Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup—it’s equally delicious and just as fuss-free.

What to Serve with Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

This soup shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, there are so many great pairings. Serve it with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up all that broth. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh balance. If you’re cooking for a crowd, pair it with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese for the ultimate comfort feast. And if you’ve got leftovers, it’s perfect for lunch the next day with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Key Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

1. Use lean beef. It keeps the broth rich without being greasy.
2. Don’t skip browning the meat—it adds that deep, savory flavor base.
3. Swap in whatever veggies you have on hand; zucchini, corn, or green beans all work.
4. If you prefer thicker soup, mash a few potatoes right in the pot.
5. Taste before salting—broth can be surprisingly salty.
6. Want a boost of umami? Add a splash more Worcestershire or a touch of soy sauce.
7. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken—just bump up the spices a bit.

Storage and Reheating Tips Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

This Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. For freezing, cool the soup completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round. If the broth thickens a little after chilling, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then toss everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3.
Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen? Yes, but remember to add them a bit earlier so they soften properly.
Can I make this gluten-free? Definitely. Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup—it’s like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re making it for your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s proof that wholesome cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. And if you love cozy soups like this, you’ll also enjoy my Curried Chicken Soup Recipe or Flavorful Quinoa Vegetable Soup. Trust me, this one’s going straight into your regular rotation.

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