There is something so heartwarming about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, and this Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe is exactly that. Bursting with hearty flavors, tender vegetables, and satisfying ground beef, it’s a straightforward, comforting meal that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving a filling home-cooked dish, this soup delivers robust flavor and cozy vibes in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe, the beauty is in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every element adds something special, from the fresh vegetables that lend crisp texture and bright colors to the savory ground beef and rich broth that create a hearty base.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty foundation that makes the soup filling and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté vegetables, adding subtle depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor to build the soup’s character.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an essential kick and warmth to every bite.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Bring gentle sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offer earthy undertones and slight crunch.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: Provide hearty texture and mellow earthiness, making the soup extra satisfying.
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: Introduces a fresh tomato tang that balances richness.
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce: Adds thicker, smooth tomato flavor to enrich the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the individual flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. This browning process is essential—it builds that irresistible meaty flavor and sets the stage for the entire soup. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook these down for about 5 minutes until they soften and start releasing their natural sweetness. This step adds wonderful texture and depth, creating a flavor base that’s anything but boring.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that vibrant, fragrant aroma. Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient that brightens the whole soup and makes it taste like it’s simmered all day.
Step 4: Combine the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything thoroughly to mix the flavors. These ingredients create a rich, tomato-based broth that perfectly complements the hearty beef and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that every potato piece gets coated with those lovely herbs and seasoning, promising a burst of flavor in each bite.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. This slow simmer allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s truly satisfying on every level.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give your Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors just right. Serve this comforting soup hot and watch it disappear fast.
How to Serve Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your soup experience up a notch, try topping it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy richness, while a crack of black pepper on top boosts the aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with buttery garlic bread or warm biscuits that soak up every last drop of the savory broth. A simple green salad can lighten the meal if you want some fresh crunch alongside. It’s a versatile main dish that welcomes many tasty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a crusty bread slice perched on the side. For a festive touch, add a swirl of pesto or drizzle some high-quality olive oil on the surface. You could even ladle it over a bed of rice or noodles for an extra hearty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day, perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm up gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen it if it thickens too much. Microwave reheats well too, just cover and heat in short intervals so it warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and will still deliver good flavor, though the soup might be a bit lighter in taste. Just brown it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
Is this soup spicy?
This Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to bring a little heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in green beans, peas, corn, or bell peppers. Just add them based on their cooking times so everything ends up tender and well-cooked.
How thick is this soup? Is it more like a stew?
The soup has a nice broth consistency—rich but still soupy rather than thick like a stew. If you prefer thicker, simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash some potatoes into the broth to thicken it naturally.
What bread pairs best with this soup?
Crusty bread like a baguette or hearty garlic bread are fantastic for dipping. Soft dinner rolls also work well to soak up the delicious tomato-beef broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite like a homemade Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe to make you feel cozy and satisfied from the inside out. This recipe brings together simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup that feels like home in every spoonful.
Print
Classic Ground Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Ground Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. Featuring browned ground beef simmered with fresh vegetables, diced tomatoes, and savory Italian seasonings, this soup offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal homemade meal to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aroma without burning the garlic.
- Mix in Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Season and Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix to evenly distribute the seasonings and ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and all flavors meld together.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added texture.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content based on dietary needs.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.
