A rich, comforting homemade beef and vegetable soup packed with tender potatoes, ground beef, sweet corn, green beans, carrots, and a flavorful tomato broth. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for cozy family dinners, cold evenings, and meal prep.
Easy One-Pot Meal Family-Friendly
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup sweet corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1–2 cups water, as needed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Add paprika, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and optional chili flakes. Stir well to coat the beef and onions with the seasonings.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps deepen the tomato flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the bay leaf, if using, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Vegetables
Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, and mixed vegetables. Add 1 cup of water if needed to ensure the ingredients are mostly covered with liquid.
Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot partially and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy.
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or beef broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and seasonings as needed. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and allow the soup to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with cornbread, crusty bread, or crackers.
Cooking Tips
Brown the beef well: Browning adds a deeper, richer flavor to the soup.
Use lean ground beef: 85–90% lean ground beef works well and reduces excess grease.
Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces help everything cook at the same rate.
Avoid overcooking: Simmer gently until the potatoes are tender to keep the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Make it thicker: Mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth to create a naturally thicker texture.
Boost the flavor: Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the seasonings toward the end of cooking.
Make ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm homemade cornbread.
Pair with toasted garlic bread or crusty French bread.
Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad.
Serve with buttery dinner rolls or saltine crackers.
Top with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Meal prep: Divide into individual airtight containers for convenient lunches and dinners.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings. Actual values depend on the beef, broth, and vegetables used.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
310 kcal
Protein
22 g
Total Fat
13 g
Saturated Fat
4.5 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugar
6 g
Sodium
650 mg
Cholesterol
55 mg
Nut Information
Naturally nut-free
This recipe contains no peanuts, tree nuts, or nut-based ingredients as listed.
Peanuts: 0 g
Tree nuts: 0 g
Nut-based ingredients: None
Allergy note: Always check the labels on beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and seasoning blends for allergen warnings or possible cross-contact, especially when cooking for someone with a severe nut allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ground beef vegetable soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic first. Transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables, green beans, and corn work perfectly. Add them during cooking and simmer until heated through and tender.
3. Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or lean ground pork can be used. The flavor will vary depending on the meat, so adjust the seasonings and broth as needed.
4. How can I make the soup more flavorful?
Brown the beef thoroughly, cook the tomato paste briefly, and use a good-quality beef broth. A little extra Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, or a pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate it promptly, and reheat thoroughly before serving. Add a little broth when reheating if the potatoes have absorbed some of the liquid.
Conclusion
This hearty ground beef vegetable soup is a comforting, budget-friendly meal made with simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth come together in one pot to create a satisfying dish the whole family can enjoy. Whether served fresh, prepared ahead for busy weekdays, or frozen for later, this homemade soup is a delicious addition to your regular dinner rotation.