Deliciously Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup: Your New Cold-Weather Favorite

If you’re craving a nourishing, cozy bowl of goodness, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is exactly what your table needs. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with protein and vibrant vegetables—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or warming up on a chilly fall night.

This classic soup is loved for its versatility. Whether you want to turn it into a Ground Beef Spinach Soup, add hearty kale, or stick with traditional frozen veggies, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Plus, it’s quick to make and uses budget-friendly ingredients, making it a staple for anyone seeking savory fall soups that are as wholesome as they are satisfying.

Looking for something sweet to serve after? Try our cozy pumpkin truffles or a slice of strawberry cloud cake for the perfect ending.

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What is Ground Beef Vegetable Soup?

At its core, Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a rustic dish made by simmering browned ground beef with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that can be customized with whatever you have on hand—from spinach and kale to potatoes and corn.

This soup is often called Hamburger Soup or Ground Beef Veggie Soup, especially in home kitchens where convenience is key. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket—perfect for busy weeknights, freezer meals, or lazy Sundays.

Plus, it can easily fit into low-carb or high-protein diets, especially when paired with lighter sides like our cucumber dill salad or cottage cheese egg salad.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Here’s the exact ingredient list based on the original recipe. No changes—just simple, nourishing staples.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 cups water
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bay leaf

You can also add:

• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional, for added nutrients)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for extra depth

Looking for similar hearty meals? You might love our pumpkin chicken chili or ground turkey and peppers stir-fry—both great weeknight options.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Airtight containers (for leftovers or meal prep)

If you love batch cooking, be sure to check out our make-ahead breakfast bowls for more efficient meal prep ideas.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Start by browning the ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner, leaner soup.

Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and green beans. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the water. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It will wilt perfectly and add a boost of color and nutrients.

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve your hearty Hamburger Soup with Fresh Vegetables hot, perhaps with a slice of cottage cheese flatbread or a side of cheesy zucchini bread.

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Variations: Spinach, Kale, or Classic Veggie

One of the best things about Ground Beef Soups like this is how flexible they are.

For a nutrient-rich version, stir in fresh spinach near the end of cooking to make a Ground Beef Spinach Soup.

Prefer something heartier? Use chopped kale instead, which holds its texture well and adds a rustic twist to your Ground Beef Kale Soup.

Want to keep it simple? Stick with frozen mixed vegetables or add diced potatoes to make it more like a Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup in a green bowl—perfect for a visually vibrant presentation.

If you’re in a cozy comfort food mood, pair it with scalloped potatoes or our cheesy garlicky kale with white beans for a fiber-rich dinner.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Soup Every Time

• Always brown the beef well before adding liquid. This builds flavor.
• Don’t overcook the veggies. You want them soft but not mushy.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for richness.
• Double the recipe—it freezes beautifully for future meals.

Want more cozy recipes for the week? Our slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal is perfect for breakfast prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using high-fat ground beef without draining can lead to a greasy soup.

Don’t add leafy greens too early—they’ll overcook and lose their color and nutrients.

Avoid over-seasoning too soon. The flavors will develop as the soup simmers. Taste at the end and adjust as needed.

Using too much water or broth can dilute the flavors. Keep the ratio balanced.

If you’re worried about sodium, use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and broth.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

This soup is wonderful on its own, but even better when paired with:

• A slice of pumpkin bread with chocolate chips for a cozy fall touch
• Mini pancake cereal if you’re serving it for brunch
• Garlic parmesan focaccia as a hearty side
• Or even our cucumber shrimp salad if you’re craving something fresh and light

Looking to keep dinner kid-friendly? Pair it with crescent roll mummy hot dogs for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Properly

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and label them for easy planning.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.

You can also reheat in the microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Meal prep tip: Portion into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!

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FAQs About Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen mixed veggies work great. No need to thaw—just add during the simmer stage.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your canned tomatoes and seasonings.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne for some heat.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Perfect for Fall: Add This Soup to Your Weekly Menu

With the changing seasons, we naturally crave warm, hearty meals that feel like a hug from the inside out. This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is just that. It’s perfect for fall meal plans, easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and loved by the whole family.

Pair it with a cozy dessert like apple crisp with oatmeal or pumpkin cheesecake cookies and your fall dinner is complete.

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Don’t forget to check out more comforting dishes like our keto meatball parmesan casserole or cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce — your taste buds will thank you.

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