Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a hearty vegetable beef soup that bursts with rich, comforting flavors happens to be my weekend passion.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen inspire every spoonful of this classic dish.

Robust chunks of tender beef mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Nourishing ingredients simmer together, developing a depth that warms you from the inside out.

Seasonal vegetables add bright, fresh notes to this soul-satisfying meal.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this soup promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

Follow along, and you’ll transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure culinary comfort.

Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup: Hearty & Delicious

  • Craft Family Comfort: A hearty one-pot wonder that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, warming flavors and satisfying ingredients.
  • Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and protein-rich peas, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes and energizes the whole family.
  • Simple Cooking Magic: Minimal prep work and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, turning basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
  • Flexible Meal Solution: Adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, this soup can be easily customized with additional vegetables or served with various side dishes for a complete and versatile dining experience.

Ingredients for Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A lean meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the soup.
For the Base Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Onion: These classic vegetables create a flavorful and aromatic foundation for the soup.
For the Bulk Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Cubed potatoes add heartiness and a comforting texture to the soup.
  • Green Beans: Provide additional nutrition and a pleasant green color to the dish.
  • Dry Peas: Contribute extra protein and a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
For the Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich and smooth base for the soup.
  • Crushed Whole Tomatoes: Add depth and a robust tomato flavor to the broth.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Ground Thyme: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the soup if needed.

Cooking Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large stockpot over medium-high flame. Cook ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Drain away excess fat to keep the soup light and healthy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add to the pot:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced onions

Stir and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Introduce to the pot:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Crushed whole tomatoes

Stir ingredients together, creating a rich and robust foundation for the soup.

Step 4: Enhance with Additional Vegetables

Gently mix in:
  • Dry peas
  • Drained green beans

These additions bring wonderful texture and nutritional boost to the soup.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and ground thyme to your taste preference. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of water.

Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat. Cover and let simmer for one hour, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Complement with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips for Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Remove excess beef grease after browning to keep the soup lighter and healthier without sacrificing rich flavor.
  • Sauté vegetables first to unlock their natural sweetness and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles in the soup.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Crush dried thyme between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and maximize the herb's flavor impact.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding water gradually – start with small amounts to prevent diluting the robust taste of the vegetable beef soup.

Variations on Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Hearty Ranch-Style Soup: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and add ranch seasoning mix for a creamy southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Vegetable Medley: Incorporate zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Swap thyme for oregano and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Soup: Include diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap green beans for black beans. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra kick.
  • Rustic Italian Soup: Add Italian sausage instead of ground beef, include chopped kale, and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese. Stir in a splash of red wine for deeper complexity.

Pairings for Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Craft Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice a hearty sourdough or whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth. The crusty exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the soup's robust flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Elevate with Red Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to match the beef's depth and the soup's hearty profile. The wine's subtle tannins will enhance the meal's richness and warm, comforting essence.
  • Boost with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The salad's bright, tangy notes will cut through the soup's heaviness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage Tips for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a unique flavor profile while maintaining the soup’s hearty texture.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The combination of lean protein from ground beef, various vegetables, and legumes provides a well-rounded meal packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding beans like kidney or navy beans, or include additional lean protein sources such as diced chicken or small cubes of steak to boost the protein content.

  • Can this soup be made vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or meat substitutes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

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Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, savory blend of tender meat and garden-fresh vegetables. Packed with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic, soul-satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped

Canned Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) crushed whole tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) dry peas
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) green beans, drained
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until completely cooked, eliminating excess fat for a healthier consistency.
  2. Incorporate chopped carrots, celery, and onion into the pot, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors.
  3. Introduce cubed potatoes, tomato sauce, and crushed whole tomatoes, creating a robust and hearty liquid foundation for the soup.
  4. Gently fold in dry peas and drained green beans, enhancing the soup’s nutritional profile and introducing vibrant textures.
  5. Harmonize the mixture with salt, pepper, and ground thyme, adjusting liquid with water if needed for optimal thickness.
  6. Elevate the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to simmer for 60 minutes until potatoes reach desired tenderness and flavors meld seamlessly.
  7. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, complementing with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a satisfying and complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce fat content while maintaining rich, meaty flavor without compromising the soup’s heartiness.
  • Swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale to enhance nutritional value and create personalized variations.
  • Transfer browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more developed flavors.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by using gluten-free tomato sauce and checking ingredient labels, or create a vegetarian version by replacing beef with plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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