If there’s one meal that feels like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, it’s Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. Packed with hearty ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and an irresistibly savory broth, this soup is the definition of comfort food made simple. Every spoonful is a little celebration of wholesome flavors and homey nostalgia, and—best of all—it comes together with everyday pantry ingredients and minimal fuss. Whether you’re winding down on a chilly evening or need a fuss-free weeknight dinner, Easy Vegetable Beef Soup will be your new go-to recipe for nourishing family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is found in its straightforward lineup of ingredients, each one bringing something essential to the pot. From the rich depth of ground beef to the pop of frozen veggies, every ingredient plays a part in creating bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying texture that will please everyone at your table.
- Olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps brown the beef evenly for deeper flavor.
- Ground beef: The heart of the soup, bringing protein and a satisfying, meaty texture.
- Onion (diced): Sweet and aromatic, onions build the foundation for every great soup.
- Garlic (minced): Just a bit of fresh garlic makes the broth downright irresistible.
- Beef broth: The backbone of the soup, lending a savory, full-bodied base.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Brightness and color in every bite; don’t drain the juices, as they deepen the broth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and colorful, these ensure you get a hearty bite in every spoonful.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): Add a tender, satisfying chunkiness that makes the soup feel substantial.
- Italian seasoning: An easy way to infuse fresh herb flavor without extra chopping.
- Salt: Essential for pulling the flavors together—don’t skip it, but season to taste.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that balances all the savory elements.
- Tomato paste (optional): For those who love an extra layer of richness, a spoonful goes a long way.
How to Make Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it sizzles. You’re aiming for delicious, crumbled bits with deeply browned edges—that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from! If you see extra grease in the pot, go ahead and drain it off before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the diced onion and garlic. Stir them in and let the aromatics cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions start to turn translucent and everything in the pot smells amazing. This step builds a flavor-packed base for our Easy Vegetable Beef Soup.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Next comes the magic! Pour in the beef broth and tip in the canned diced tomatoes with all their juices. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and that spoonful of tomato paste if you want a more robust tomato flavor. Give everything a good mix to combine all the colorful ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Raise the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will turn fork-tender, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the beef will soak up all that herby, savory goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning before you ladle out the first bowl.
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Garnishes
A little extra flourish takes this soup from good to unforgettable. Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, a handful of grated Parmesan for richness, or a few croutons for crunch. Even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can bring a glossy, gourmet finish.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, offer some warm crusty bread—perfect for dipping into the savory broth—or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. If you really want to treat yourself, a cheesy grilled sandwich pairs deliciously with Easy Vegetable Beef Soup’s hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle Easy Vegetable Beef Soup into a bread bowl for a special touch, or serve it in colorful mugs for a cozy, casual vibe—ideal for movie night or game day eats! Top each bowl with a swirl of yogurt or sour cream if you want a creamy finish that kids (and adults!) will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store your leftover Easy Vegetable Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a freezer superstar! Simply portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving room for it to expand. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it thickens after refrigeration, just add a splash of broth or water to restore it to your preferred consistency. Microwave reheating works well for single servings, too—just cover loosely to prevent splatters.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You can swap in fresh carrots, green beans, peas, or corn—just add them based on their cooking time. If you’re using denser veggies, give them a head start so everything ends up tender at the same time.
Is this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your beef broth and any seasonings to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Of course! Feel free to use ground turkey or even bite-sized chunks of leftover roast beef. The soup is very forgiving, and you’ll still capture that delicious, hearty homemade vibe.
How can I make the soup even more flavorful?
Consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers (just remember to remove it before serving!). A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can also add depth, and don’t underestimate the power of a fresh herb garnish.
Can I make Easy Vegetable Beef Soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3 hours, just until the potatoes are tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is comforting, and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is exactly that. I hope you give it a try and make it a staple in your own kitchen—your family (and your tastebuds) will thank you!
Print
Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in broth, tomatoes, vegetables, potatoes, seasonings, and tomato paste (if using).
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or leftover roast beef.
- Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra flavor and remove before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
