Nothing compares to a large bowl of ground beef soup when the weather becomes cold or you simply need something cozy. Rich, comforting, and flavorful, this straightforward homemade soup is made with common items you already have in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone eager for supper and fills your house with a wonderful aroma.
I adore this dish because it is really affordable, serves a large group of people, and reheats well. Every spoonful of this ground beef soup provides warmth, comfort, and food, whether you’re making it for a quick weekday supper or preparing meals for the coming week.
Don’t worry if you’ve never made soup before; this recipe is simple, adaptable, and forgiving. You can use other seasonings, add different vegetables, or even add more heat. This recipe is a true “dump-and-simmer” method that transforms basic materials into something unique.
Table of Contents
⭐ Why This Soup Is So Loved
This soup has been a family favorite for years because:
- It’s hearty and filling, thanks to ground beef and chunky vegetables
- It’s simple to make, even for beginners
- It’s customizable, you can use whatever veggies you have
- It freezes perfectly for future meals
- It’s wholesome and nutritious without being complicated
If you enjoy recipes that feel like a warm hug, this one deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation.
⭐ Ingredients You Will Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just cozy, everyday ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, chili flakes, or pasta/rice for a thicker soup
This recipe is extremely flexible, you can swap vegetables or add more seasonings without losing the comforting flavor of the soup.
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Drain excess fat to keep the soup light and not greasy.
Tip:
A pinch of salt while browning the meat makes it more flavorful.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
This step builds the flavor foundation of your soup, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes to help soften them slightly.
If you like your soup chunkier and heartier, cut your veggies into larger pieces.
Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (including their juices).
Add thyme, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Optional flavor boost:
Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for a deep, savory flavor that makes the soup taste slow-cooked.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
This gentle simmering brings all the flavors together and makes the soup taste like it cooked for hours.
Step 6: Add Frozen Peas
Add peas or mixed vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
This keeps them bright and fresh instead of mushy.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a taste. You can add:
- More salt
- Extra pepper
- Chili flakes for heat
- A splash of broth if the soup is too thick
Your soup should now smell rich, cozy, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Ladle your ground beef soup into bowls and enjoy it with:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese
- Dinner rolls
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs
The first scoop will feel like pure comfort—this soup is warm, hearty, and satisfying without being heavy.
⭐ Tricks to Make Your Soup Even Better
Here are some chef-style secrets that make a big difference:
✔ Brown the beef very well
The darker the beef gets (without burning), the more flavor your soup will have.
✔ Add a bay leaf for a deeper aroma
Remove it before serving.
✔ Use fire-roasted tomatoes
They add a smoky, richer flavor.
✔ Add pasta or rice
For a thicker, stew-like version, add a handful of pasta or uncooked rice halfway through simmering.
✔ Make it spicy
Add chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños.
✔ Add fresh herbs
Parsley or basil at the end makes the soup taste brighter.
⭐ Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores.
Refrigerator
Keeps for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Just leave a little room in the container for expansion.
Reheat
Warm it on the stove or microwave.
If it thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
⭐ What to Serve With Ground Beef Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic toast
- Cheddar biscuits
- Fresh green salad
- Cornbread
- Baked potatoes
Or simply enjoy it on its own, it’s complete enough to be a full meal.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Warm, tasty, inexpensive, and simple to prepare, this ground beef soup recipe is everything a cozy dinner ought to be. It’s ideal for busy families, chilly evenings, or anybody who wants a warm bowl of handmade comfort because it only requires a short cooking time and basic ingredients.
It’s the type of soup that fills your home with a delightful aroma and makes everyone smile at the dinner table. After you give it a try, it can end up becoming a year-round favorite.
