High Protein One-Pot Ground Beef Soup

Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein, this one-pot ground beef soup is the perfect solution for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to a flavorful, wholesome soup that comes together in minutes. This recipe is designed to be easily customizable, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Soup

This isn’t your average soup! It’s a high-protein powerhouse thanks to the lean ground beef, providing essential amino acids and sustained energy. The one-pot preparation minimizes cleanup, while the rich flavors develop beautifully as the soup simmers. It’s also an incredibly versatile recipe; easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ease of Preparation: The best part about this soup is that it requires minimal effort. Simply brown the ground beef, add the vegetables and broth, and let it simmer. This makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time.

Nutritional Benefits: Ground beef is a fantastic source of protein, iron, and zinc. The addition of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this soup a complete and balanced meal.

Customization Options: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Swap out vegetables, add different spices, or use a different type of broth. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients and Variations

The base of this soup is simple: ground beef, vegetables, and broth. However, the real magic lies in the details. Here’s a closer look at the core ingredients and some exciting variations to try.

Core Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize fat content. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the foundation of the soup’s flavor. Sauté them until softened before adding the ground beef.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes are classic additions. Other great choices include bell peppers, zucchini, corn, green beans, spinach, or kale.
• Broth: Beef broth provides a rich, savory flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can also be used, depending on your preference.
• Seasonings: A blend of herbs and spices enhances the overall taste. Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, and bay leaf are all excellent choices.

Flavorful Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
• Italian Flair: Incorporate Italian sausage, fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar for an authentic Italian flavor.
• Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a south-of-the-border flair. Top with avocado and cilantro.
• Creamy Comfort: Stir in a swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy, indulgent texture.
• Hearty Additions: For an even heartier soup, add cooked pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni), rice, quinoa, or lentils.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat.
• Beef Broth: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or bone broth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes, fresh chopped tomatoes.
• Onion: Leeks or shallots.
• Garlic: Garlic powder or garlic paste.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying high-protein one-pot ground beef soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.

4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Soup

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Develop the Flavor: Simmering the soup for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This high-protein one-pot ground beef soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be enhanced with complementary sides and toppings.

Topping Ideas

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy tanginess.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or chives.
• Avocado: Adds richness and healthy fats.
• Crushed Crackers or Croutons: Adds texture and crunch.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat.

Side Dish Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food combination.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing complement to the hearty soup.
• Cornbread: A savory and slightly sweet accompaniment.

Nutritional Information

This high-protein one-pot ground beef soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content per serving (based on a recipe with lean ground beef and moderate vegetable additions):

• Calories: Approximately 300-400
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams (depending on the leanness of the ground beef)
• Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For a more accurate assessment, you can use a nutrition calculator and input your specific recipe.

Health Benefits

The combination of lean ground beef, vegetables, and broth makes this soup a nutritious choice. The high protein content promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and supporting muscle growth and repair. The vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for overall health and well-being. The broth contributes to hydration and can be soothing for the digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, absolutely! Brown the ground beef on the stove top, then transfer it to your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this soup. Add them directly to the pot without thawing.

Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

A: This soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I add beans to this soup?

A: Absolutely! Beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans, make a great addition to this soup. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow them to heat through.

Q: What can I do if my soup is too watery?

A: If your soup is too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.