Hearty, cozy, and deeply satisfying, Classic Ground Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days or whenever you need a quick, nourishing meal. With tender ground beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a tomato-rich broth, this soup brings warmth to your table with minimal fuss.

This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep. It’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand, and it pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread or a sprinkle of parmesan on top.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the richest flavor and balanced texture, opt for 85% lean ground beef. It has just the right amount of fat to add depth to the soup without making it greasy. If you prefer a lighter version, 90% lean will also work well.

Ingredients for the Classic Ground Beef Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup peeled and diced potatoes

How To Make the Classic Ground Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Let them cook with the beef mixture for another 5 minutes to build flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Corn and Adjust Seasoning

Add corn in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve and Store Classic Ground Beef Soup

Serve hot in big bowls with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or crushed red pepper. It’s perfect alongside crusty bread, cornbread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.

To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still tastes fantastic in this soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

What can I use instead of potatoes?

Try sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even pasta or rice added toward the end of cooking.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you’re loving this Classic Ground Beef Soup, you’ll want to try these other satisfying bowls of comfort:

📌 Save this soup to your Pinterest board so it’s ready for your next comfort craving.

And let me know in the comments if you made it your own—did you add mushrooms or hot sauce? Maybe swapped out the corn for peas?

I’d love to hear how your version turned out. Let’s make dinner better, together.

Find even more comforting meals on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Classic Ground Beef Soup

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Ground Beef Soup is the perfect comfort dish packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato broth. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and ideal for cozy nights or family dinners.

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

3. Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Let them cook with the beef mixture for another 5 minutes to build flavor.

4. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add corn in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.