Introduction

Best Ground Beef Soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor—tender ground beef simmered with vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Often called hamburger soup, this one-pot classic is budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying soup that tastes even better the next day.

Why you’ll love this recipe

One-pot, easy cleanup
Budget-friendly and filling
Packed with vegetables
Great for meal prep and freezing
Customizable with pantry staples

Ingredients (serves 6–8)

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cups potatoes, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen corn or green beans
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: bay leaf, fresh parsley

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife + cutting board
Ladle

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Brown the beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add aromatics

Add diced onion to the pot and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add vegetables

Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, to lightly soften and coat the vegetables in flavor.

4. Season the soup

Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute spices.

5. Build the broth

Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Add bay leaf if using. Bring to a gentle boil.

6. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes, until potatoes and vegetables are tender.

7. Add final vegetables

Stir in frozen corn or green beans. Simmer 5–10 minutes until heated through.

8. Taste and adjust

Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

9. Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Mistakes to avoid

Skipping beef browning — less flavor
Not draining fat — greasy soup
Cutting vegetables unevenly — uneven cooking
Overboiling — mushy vegetables
Under-seasoning — bland broth

Variations of Best Ground Beef Soup

Tomato Beef Soup — add tomato paste for richness
Low-Carb — skip potatoes, add cauliflower
Spicy — add red pepper flakes
Pasta Soup — add small pasta near the end
Mexican-Inspired — add cumin and chili powder

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Flavors improve overnight
Reheat gently on the stove

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes—season generously for the best flavor.

Do I need to peel potatoes?
Optional—leave skins on for texture.

Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes—cook separately or add near the end.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Very—freeze in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Best Ground Beef Soup is simple, hearty, and endlessly adaptable. With rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory beef, it’s comfort food you can rely on any night of the week. Easy to make, easy to store, and always satisfying, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.