Name: Classic Ground Beef Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Classic Ground Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings, quick dinner solutions, or even weekly meal prep. Imagine a bowl filled with tender vegetables, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-infused broth, all coming together to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but wholesome. Whether you’re seeking quick dinner ideas, healthier soup options, or simply a reliable one-pot meal, this recipe promises to deliver unmatchable satisfaction and warmth. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent addition to your go-to recipes for any day of the week.

This soup is not only nourishing but also freezer-friendly. It pairs wonderfully with everything from crusty bread to a fresh green salad, making it a versatile meal choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s fully customizable! This means you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Let’s dive deeper into why this Classic Ground Beef Soup will become a family favorite and how you can easily whip it up in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Ground Beef Soup

Hearty and Nourishing: Packed with a variety of vegetables, it nourishes the body while satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 60 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Meal-Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later enjoyment, making it perfect for those busy weeks.
Customizable: Feel free to modify the ingredients based on your pantry. Swap out vegetables, add your favorite seasonings, or even change the protein.
Ideal for Family Gatherings: With a yield of 6 servings, this recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on your soup-making journey, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean, and all ingredients are readily available. The essential haunts for this recipe include a large pot or Dutch oven (this helps in even cooking), a wooden spoon for stirring, and a cutting board with a sharp knife for chopping vegetables.

Gathering your ingredients beforehand will streamline the cooking process, making it more enjoyable. Make sure to have measuring spoons and cups on hand for accurate seasoning and liquid measurements. For a touch of elegance, you might also want to prepare garnishing options, such as fresh parsley or sliced green onions, which add a pop of color and flavor to the finished dish.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin your culinary journey by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. Make sure to break the meat apart with a spoon to ensure it cooks evenly. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors, so take your time here. If there’s a lot of excess fat, feel free to drain some off to keep your soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir them into the meat and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and for the onions to turn translucent, which enhances their sweetness and deepens the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Don’t skip this step as it significantly adds to the overall taste of the soup.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Now, it’s time to elevate the soup. Pour in the beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process is essential as it helps integrate all the flavors.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

After the initial simmer, add in the diced potatoes. Continue to let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally, stir in the frozen peas and allow everything to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference.

Variations

Protein: While ground beef is delicious, you can swap it for ground turkey or even a mixture of beans for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for a pop of color and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like cumin or paprika to give your soup a unique twist.

Cooking Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the beef well; this step adds depth.
Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This soup freezes successfully for up to 3 months, making it ideal for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when you add the broth.
Garnish individual bowls with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and taste.
If you want a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it before adding the peas.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, just transfer everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re in airtight containers.

Can I add different herbs or spices?

Yes! Feel free to customize the seasonings based on your preferences. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work great!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth, this soup is a great gluten-free option.

Conclusion

This Classic Ground Beef Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a loving embrace in a bowl, perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep for busy weeks. With its straightforward preparation, wholesome ingredients, and the flexibility to customize, it will tick all the boxes on your list of ideal comfort foods. Don’t forget to try it with a side of crusty bread and perhaps a fresh salad for a complete meal. We’d love to hear how you and your family enjoyed this recipe! Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!