Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

This Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a wholesome, filling dish. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

(Serves 6-8)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup potatoes, diced (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 cup elbow pasta, small shells, or diced cabbage (optional for extra heartiness)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.

1. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

• Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.

1. Add Liquids & Seasonings

• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, water, oregano, basil, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

1. Simmer

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

1. Add Remaining Vegetables

• Stir in green beans, corn, potatoes, and zucchini (if using). Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

1. Optional: Pasta or Cabbage

• If adding pasta, cook separately and stir in at the end to avoid mushiness. For cabbage, add in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

1. Adjust & Serve

• Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips

• Make it thicker: Add a splash of tomato paste or let it simmer longer.
• Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and extra veggies.
• Freezer-friendly: Stores well for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this warm, hearty, and satisfying soup with crusty bread or a side salad! 🍲😋

Would you like any variations (like a spicy kick or a slow cooker version)?