Name: Classic Ground Beef Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup green peas; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

I’ve always believed that a pot of Classic Ground Beef Soup simmering on the stove can turn an ordinary day into something comforting and memorable. The rich aroma of seasoned beef, tender vegetables, and savory broth slowly blending together takes me right back to family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, eager for a warm bowl.

What I love most about this Classic Ground Beef Soup is how simple ingredients come together to create deep, satisfying flavor. It’s hearty without being heavy, wholesome without being complicated, and it fills the kitchen with a warmth that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Ground Beef Soup

Classic Ground Beef Soup is the kind of meal that fits almost any occasion. It’s filling enough for a cozy dinner, yet light enough to enjoy year-round. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and a tomato-based broth creates a balanced dish packed with texture and flavor.

It’s also incredibly practical. You can prepare it ahead of time, adjust the vegetables to what you have on hand, and easily double the batch for leftovers. The flavors deepen beautifully as it sits, making it even better the next day.

What Makes Classic Ground Beef Soup So Flavorful?

The magic of Classic Ground Beef Soup lies in layering flavors. Browning the ground beef first builds a rich base, while sautéed onions and garlic enhance the savory depth. A tomato-infused broth ties everything together, and herbs like parsley or thyme add freshness that balances the heartiness.

The vegetables not only add nutrition but also contribute natural sweetness and texture. As the soup simmers, the ingredients meld together, creating a comforting bowl that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Options for Substitutions

Classic Ground Beef Soup is wonderfully flexible. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken can replace the beef while still delivering great flavor. For a richer taste, you could use ground chuck.

Potatoes can be swapped with sweet potatoes, rice, or even small pasta if you want a slightly different texture. Fresh vegetables can replace frozen ones, and vegetable broth works well if you’re adjusting the recipe to suit different dietary needs. With a few simple tweaks, you can make this Classic Ground Beef Soup truly your own.

Ingredients for this Classic Ground Beef Soup

Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty foundation of Classic Ground Beef Soup. It provides rich, savory depth and satisfying protein. Choosing an 80/20 blend gives excellent flavor, while leaner beef works well if you prefer less fat.

Onion
Onion builds the aromatic base of the soup. As it cooks, it releases natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the beef.

Garlic
Garlic adds bold, savory character. Even a few cloves make a noticeable difference, giving the broth warmth and complexity.

Carrots
Carrots bring subtle sweetness, vibrant color, and tender texture. They hold their shape well during simmering and complement the savory broth.

Celery
Celery contributes a mild earthiness and classic soup flavor. It rounds out the vegetable base and enhances the overall aroma.

Potatoes
Potatoes make Classic Ground Beef Soup extra filling. They absorb the flavorful broth while adding a soft, comforting bite.

Green Peas
Peas add a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness. They also introduce a pleasant contrast in texture.

Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes create the rich, slightly tangy backbone of the broth. They provide body, color, and balanced acidity.

Tomato Paste
Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly, making the soup more robust.

Beef Broth
Beef broth ties everything together. It deepens the savory notes and gives the soup its comforting, slow-simmered taste.

Bay Leaf
A bay leaf subtly enhances the broth with herbal undertones during simmering.

Dried Thyme
Thyme adds gentle earthiness and complements both the beef and vegetables beautifully.

Paprika
Paprika contributes warmth and mild smokiness, enhancing the soup’s color and flavor.

Salt
Salt sharpens and balances all the flavors in the pot.

Black Pepper
Black pepper introduces mild heat and complexity.

Olive Oil
Olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking while adding a subtle richness.

Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley brightens the finished soup and adds a fresh herbal finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Mince the garlic finely. Measure out the herbs, spices, broth, and tomatoes so everything is ready before you begin cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Allow some pieces to develop slight browning for deeper flavor. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount for richness.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly. This step enhances the richness and removes any raw tomato taste.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Add the Hearty Vegetables

Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 7: Add the Peas

Stir in the green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This keeps them vibrant and prevents overcooking.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Finish

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the Classic Ground Beef Soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete, comforting meal.

How Long to Prepare the Classic Ground Beef Soup

Preparing Classic Ground Beef Soup is pleasantly straightforward, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend cooking. From start to finish, the entire process typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how quickly you prep your vegetables and how long you allow the soup to simmer for deeper flavor.

The preparation stage—washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables—usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Browning the beef and building the flavor base takes another 10 to 15 minutes. Once everything is in the pot, the soup needs about 20 to 30 minutes of gentle simmering for the potatoes and carrots to become perfectly tender while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Classic Ground Beef Soup

For the richest flavor, allow the ground beef to brown properly before stirring too frequently. Those slightly caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot add incredible depth once deglazed with broth.

Cut your vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Uneven cuts can lead to some vegetables becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

Let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the flavors to settle and intensify.

If you enjoy a thicker consistency, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot or simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.

For even better flavor, make the soup a day ahead. Classic Ground Beef Soup often tastes richer the next day as the ingredients fully meld together.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is overcrowding the pot when browning the beef. If the pan is too full, the meat will steam instead of brown, reducing flavor.

Adding all vegetables at the same time can also cause texture issues. Softer vegetables like peas should go in toward the end to prevent overcooking.

Skipping seasoning adjustments at the end may result in a flat-tasting soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Boiling the soup too aggressively can break down the vegetables and make the broth cloudy. Maintain a gentle simmer for best results.

What to Serve With Classic Ground Beef Soup?

Crusty Artisan Bread

A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread adds bold flavor and pairs beautifully with the savory beef base.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich turns this soup into an extra comforting meal.

Steamed Rice

Serving the soup over a small scoop of rice makes it even heartier and more filling.

Storage Instructions

Classic Ground Beef Soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers especially delicious.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the consistency.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approximate values based on a standard 6-serving batch):

Calories: 320–380 kcal
Protein: 20–25g
Carbohydrates: 28–35g
Fat: 15–20g
Fiber: 4–6g
Sodium: Varies depending on broth used

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Classic Ground Beef Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use about 2–3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and consider adding a small amount of tomato paste to maintain richness.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

The soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I add pasta to Classic Ground Beef Soup?

Yes. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well. Add them during the last 10–12 minutes of cooking.

Why does my soup taste bland?

It may need more salt, herbs, or a splash of acidity like a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Conclusion

Classic Ground Beef Soup is a timeless comfort dish that combines simple ingredients with deeply satisfying flavor. It’s adaptable, nourishing, and ideal for feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time. Whether you serve it with bread, salad, or a sandwich, this soup delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

With a few thoughtful techniques and fresh ingredients, you can turn this humble dish into a standout favorite that you’ll come back to again and again.