Here's a complete, tested ground beef soup recipe that yields a hearty, flavorful meal in under 45 minutes. You'll need 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 4 cups beef broth, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chopped potatoes, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Brown the beef first, then simmer all ingredients for 30 minutes. This classic ground beef soup recipe serves 4-6 people and freezes well for future meals.
The Ultimate Hearty Ground Beef Soup Recipe
There's nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of homemade ground beef soup on a chilly day. This classic ground beef soup recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Unlike many simplified versions, this recipe builds layers of flavor through proper browning and simmering techniques that transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why This Ground Beef Soup Recipe Works
The secret to exceptional ground beef soup lies in the cooking technique, not just the ingredients. Properly browning the meat creates fond (those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pot) which dissolves into the broth, adding depth that shortcut methods miss. The combination of aromatic vegetables, quality broth, and proper simmering time allows flavors to meld perfectly.
Many quick ground beef soup recipes skip the crucial step of properly rendering the fat and developing flavor through the Maillard reaction. This results in a flat-tasting soup that lacks complexity. Our method ensures your ground beef soup has restaurant-quality depth while remaining accessible for home cooks.
Complete Ingredients List
For the best results with this easy ground beef soup recipe, use fresh ingredients and quality broth. Here's exactly what you'll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 lb (450g) | 80% lean provides best flavor and texture |
| Beef broth | 4 cups (32 oz) | Low-sodium preferred for better control |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Diced (about 1½ cups) |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and diced (about 1 cup) |
| Celery | 2 stalks | Diced (about ½ cup) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Undrained |
| Potatoes | 1 cup | Peeled and diced (Yukon Gold recommended) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp | Essential for umami depth |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Or 1 tbsp fresh thyme |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Add gradually during cooking |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef Properly
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef without breaking it up immediately. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes to develop a proper crust, then break into chunks with a spatula. Continue cooking until well-browned (not just grayed), about 5-7 minutes total. Proper browning is crucial for the best ground beef soup flavor profile. Drain excess fat if desired, but leave about 1 tablespoon for cooking the vegetables.
2. Build Flavor with Aromatics
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. This step develops the flavor foundation for your hearty ground beef soup.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in ½ cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Perfect Simmering Technique
Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the meat tough and cloud the broth. The ideal simmer shows small bubbles breaking the surface occasionally. This gentle cooking method preserves texture while allowing flavors to meld.
5. Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For a richer ground beef soup recipe, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers. This classic ground beef soup recipe makes 4-6 generous servings.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Meat selection matters: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and texture. Leaner beef produces a less satisfying soup.
- Don't rush the browning: Properly seared meat creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction that grayed meat cannot match.
- Acid balance: A splash of red wine vinegar (½ tsp) just before serving brightens flavors in this hearty ground beef soup.
- Texture control: For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Make ahead tip: This ground beef soup recipe actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Popular Variations for Different Preferences
This versatile ground beef soup recipe adapts well to various dietary needs and preferences:
Healthy Ground Beef Soup Option
For a lighter version of this classic ground beef soup recipe, use 90% lean ground beef and increase the vegetable content. Add 1 cup chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for added nutrients. This healthy ground beef soup variation maintains richness while boosting nutritional value.
Quick Ground Beef Soup Version
When short on time, use pre-diced vegetables and quality store-bought broth. Skip the initial browning step (though flavor will be less complex) and use 1 lb pre-cooked ground beef. This quick ground beef soup method reduces active time to 15 minutes while still delivering a satisfying meal.
Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef Soup
This ground beef soup recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, then portion into airtight containers with 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The potatoes hold their texture better than in many soups, making this an excellent freezer meal option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage ensures your ground beef soup maintains quality:
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Portion into freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months
- Reheating on stove: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
- Reheating in microwave: Cover and heat in 2-minute intervals, stirring between
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. For best flavor revival, add a fresh pinch of herbs just before serving reheated soup.
Why This Recipe Stands Out From Others
Many ground beef soup recipes online take shortcuts that compromise flavor. This version respects the cooking process while remaining accessible for home cooks. The attention to proper browning technique, vegetable preparation, and simmering time creates a depth of flavor that most simplified recipes miss.
Unlike many quick ground beef soup versions that use canned soup as a base, this recipe builds flavor from scratch with quality ingredients. The result is a truly homemade taste that satisfies both comfort food cravings and culinary standards.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this soup recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef, though the flavor profile will be lighter. For best results with this ground beef soup recipe variation, use dark meat turkey and add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to compensate for the milder flavor. The cooking time remains the same.
How can I make this ground beef soup recipe thicker without adding flour?
To thicken your ground beef soup naturally, try mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot, or add ½ cup cooked barley or rice which will absorb liquid while adding texture.
Why does my ground beef soup taste bland even after following the recipe?
Bland ground beef soup usually results from insufficient seasoning or not developing flavor through proper browning. Make sure to season in layers - a pinch of salt when browning the meat, another when cooking vegetables, and final adjustment at the end. Also verify you're using quality broth, as low-sodium versions often need additional seasoning.
Can I make this ground beef soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this classic ground beef soup recipe adapts well to slow cooking. Brown the meat and sauté vegetables as directed, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking enhances flavor development, creating an even more complex ground beef soup recipe result.
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