Classic Ground Beef Soup with Potatoes Recipe

The best ground beef soup with potatoes combines lean ground beef, russet potatoes, carrots, onions, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato-based broth. This hearty one-pot meal takes about 45 minutes to prepare, serves 6-8 people, and offers a comforting, protein-rich dinner option perfect for cold weather or weeknight meals.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ground Beef Soup

Creating an exceptional ground beef soup with potatoes starts with quality ingredients. While variations exist, these core components form the foundation of a truly satisfying soup:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean works best)
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious homemade ground beef soup with potatoes that will become a family favorite:

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onions and carrots to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the broth: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Season and serve: Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Key Cooking Techniques for Best Results

Professional chefs and experienced home cooks agree that certain techniques elevate a basic ground beef soup with potatoes to exceptional status:

Technique	Benefit	Implementation Tip
Proper browning	Develops rich flavor through Maillard reaction	Don't overcrowd the pot; cook beef in batches if necessary
Deglazing	Captures flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot	Add a splash of broth while scraping the bottom after browning beef
Potato size consistency	Ensures even cooking	Use a knife rather than food processor for uniform 1/2-inch cubes
Simmering vs boiling	Prevents potatoes from breaking down too much	Maintain gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil

Popular Variations for Your Ground Beef Soup

One reason this easy ground beef soup recipe remains popular is its adaptability. Try these variations to customize your soup:

• Italian-style: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan before serving
• Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Hearty minestrone: Add 1 cup cooked pasta and 1 cup chopped kale during the last 10 minutes
• Spicy Southwest: Include 1 diced bell pepper, 1 can black beans, and 1 teaspoon cumin
• Slow cooker method: After browning beef and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks encounter challenges with ground beef soup recipes. Here's how to address common problems:

Soup is too thin: Create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir into simmering soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Potatoes are mushy: Add potatoes later in the cooking process (after 15 minutes of simmering) or cut them slightly larger.

Soup lacks depth: Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste when sautéing vegetables, or include a splash of Worcestershire sauce near the end of cooking.

Too much fat: After cooking, place the pot in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, then skim solidified fat from the surface.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

This classic beef soup with potatoes stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months (potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing)
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency

Nutritional Benefits of This Comforting Meal

A serving (about 1.5 cups) of this homemade beef and potato soup typically provides:

• Approximately 280-320 calories
• 22-25g protein for muscle maintenance
• Significant potassium from potatoes
• Vitamin A from carrots
• Iron and zinc from lean ground beef

This family-friendly beef soup recipe delivers balanced nutrition while satisfying comfort food cravings. The combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables creates a well-rounded meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions for Complete Meals

Elevate your ground beef soup experience with these complementary pairings:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Grated cheddar cheese sprinkled on top
• Side of cornbread for a classic comfort food combination
• Apple slices or pear for a refreshing contrast

Can I use frozen potatoes in ground beef soup?

While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. Add them directly to the soup without thawing and extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Note that frozen potatoes may become slightly softer than fresh ones.

How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy in soup?

To prevent mushy potatoes, cut them to uniform 1/2-inch cubes, add them after the beef has browned, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Russet potatoes hold their shape better than waxy varieties in soups.

What's the best way to store leftover ground beef soup?

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Can I make this ground beef soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except potatoes, cook on low for 4 hours, then add potatoes and cook 2 more hours until tender.

What vegetables can I add to enhance this beef and potato soup?

Excellent additions include celery, peas, corn, green beans, or leafy greens like spinach or kale. Add harder vegetables with the potatoes, and delicate greens during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.