Easy One-Pot Ground Beef Soup

Comfort food doesn’t get much easier than a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying one-pot ground beef soup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a complete and nutritious meal with minimal cleanup. Loaded with vegetables, protein, and delicious broth, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef Soup

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary game-changer. Here’s why:

• Easy Cleanup: The biggest win! Everything cooks in one pot, saving you precious time and effort on dishwashing.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an economical protein choice, and the vegetables can be adjusted based on what’s in season or on sale.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, beans, or spices. Make it your own!
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a complete and healthy meal.
• Freezes Well: Prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Mastering the Art of One-Pot Ground Beef Soup

While this recipe is incredibly simple, here are some tips and tricks to ensure soup success:

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

The type of ground beef you choose will affect the flavor and texture of your soup.

• Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or leaner): This is a healthier option as it contains less fat. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the pot to prevent the meat from sticking.
• Ground Chuck (80/20): A good balance of flavor and fat. The fat adds richness to the soup but should be drained after browning the beef.
• Ground Beef (70/30): The most flavorful option but also the highest in fat. Be sure to drain off the excess fat after browning.

Vegetable Variety

The vegetables in this soup are the heart of its flavor and nutritional value. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Essential Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery (also known as mirepoix) form the flavorful base of many soups and stews.
• Other Great Additions: Potatoes (russet, Yukon gold, or red), corn, green beans, peas, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach all work well.
• Canned vs. Fresh: Canned vegetables can be used in a pinch, but fresh vegetables will generally provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Flavor Boosters

Elevate your one-pot ground beef soup with these simple additions:

• Broth: Use beef broth for the most authentic flavor. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can also be used as substitutes.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste add acidity and depth of flavor.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, and chili powder are all excellent choices.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil can be added at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami note.
• Soy Sauce: A small amount of low-sodium soy sauce can also enhance the umami flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Delicious One-Pot Ground Beef Soup

This recipe provides a basic framework. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to your liking.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. If using lean ground beef, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the pot before adding the beef. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. Add the Corn and Green Beans: Stir in the frozen corn and frozen green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This one-pot ground beef soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Add Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Creamy Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy texture.
• Pasta Power: Add cooked pasta (such as macaroni or small shells) during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup.
• Serve with Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure it browns evenly and prevents the soup from being watery.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• How long does ground beef soup last in the refrigerator? Properly stored, ground beef soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze ground beef soup? Yes, ground beef soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• What can I add to ground beef soup to make it taste better? A bay leaf during cooking, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can all enhance the flavor. Adjust seasonings to your liking!
• What goes good with ground beef soup? Crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, a side salad, or cornbread all pair well with ground beef soup.
• What vegetables are good in beef soup? Onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, green beans, peas, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are all excellent choices.