Ground beef soup is one of those reliable meals you can always fall back on. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with rich, comforting flavor, the kind of food that actually keeps you satisfied without needing anything fancy or expensive. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm after a long day, this ground beef soup gets the job done every single time.
What makes this soup special is how simple and forgiving it is. Ground beef cooks quickly, absorbs seasoning beautifully, and pairs well with almost any vegetable you have on hand. If you can brown meat and stir a pot, you’re already more than capable of making this. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and tastes like proper home cooking.
This is the kind of soup you make when you want something real, filling, flavorful, and comforting, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes or sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes (fresh, blended, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme or mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)
- 4–5 cups water or beef stock
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Optional add-ins: Green beans, peas, sweet corn, chili pepper, bay leaf, or a little tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Kitchen Tools
- Medium or large pot
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
How to Prepare Ground Beef Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Place your pot on medium heat and add the cooking oil. Let it warm up for a few seconds, you want it hot but not smoking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant. This step sets the flavor foundation for the entire soup, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown slightly. Browning the meat properly adds depth and richness to the soup. If your beef releases a lot of fat, you can carefully drain off the excess at this point.
Step 4: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir well so the seasoning coats the meat evenly.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Tomatoes
Toss in the carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. This helps the vegetables absorb the seasoning before the liquid goes in.
Step 6: Add Water or Stock
Pour in the water or beef stock until everything is just covered. Stir gently and bring the soup to a light boil.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20–30 minutes. The vegetables should become soft, and the flavors will come together into a rich, comforting broth.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a little more salt or pepper if required, then let it simmer for another minute or two.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Soup
- Don’t rush the browning step, that’s where a lot of flavor comes from.
- Let the soup simmer gently; slow cooking brings out a deeper taste.
- This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
- If the soup gets too thick, simply add a splash of water or stock.
Easy Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili.
- Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and use zucchini or cabbage instead.
- Extra hearty: Stir in cooked rice, pasta, or barley before serving.
- Tomato-rich: Add a spoon of tomato paste for a deeper, richer base.
Ground beef soup is warm, filling, and deeply comforting, the kind of meal that feels like home no matter where you are. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for everyday cooking, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself. Once you make it, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, adjusting it to whatever’s in your kitchen and whatever mood you’re in.
