Hearty Veggie Beef Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort when you want something filling and full of flavor. This soup brings together tender chunks of beef with a colorful mix of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. The mix of textures and warm spices makes it feel like a homemade hug in a bowl.
I love making this soup on chilly days because it warms me up from the inside out. One of my favorite tips is to let it simmer low and slow so the beef gets really tender and the veggies soak up all those tasty juices. It’s one of those dishes where leftovers taste even better the next day, so I always make a big pot.
When I serve this soup, I like to pair it with some crusty bread or buttered toast on the side for dipping. It’s great for a simple family dinner or when friends come over and you want something cozy that everyone will enjoy. This soup always reminds me of those days where slowing down with a warm bowl feels just right.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds great flavor and protein. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well. For extra richness, try chuck roast cubes instead of ground beef.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes bring classic heartiness. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add green beans or peas if you like more veggies.
Diced Tomatoes & Broth: Canned diced tomatoes add a nice tang. If you prefer less acidity, use crushed tomatoes or add a pinch of sugar. Beef broth gives depth, but vegetable or chicken broth can work, too.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional and holds up well in the soup. You can replace it with small shells, ditalini, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
How Do You Get Tender Beef and Perfectly Cooked Veggies in Soup?
Start by browning the ground beef well to build flavor. Don’t rush this step—browning adds depth. Sauté onions and garlic with the beef to soften them and release their aroma.
- Add root veggies like carrots and potatoes next, letting them cook a bit before adding liquids.
- Simmer the soup gently to let flavors meld and veggies soften without turning mushy.
- Add pasta at the end; this prevents it from becoming too soft or swallowing all the broth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven – great for even heating and holding all the soup ingredients comfortably.
- Spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the beef and veggies as they cook without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife – sharp for easily chopping onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Cutting board – provides a safe and clean surface for prepping all your vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons – handy to measure broth, pasta, and spices accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter soup option that still packs protein.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Stir in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or basil to boost the flavor complexity.
- Use barley instead of pasta to add a nice chewy texture and heartier feel to your soup.
How to Make Hearty Veggie Beef Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook the beef and vegetables. After bringing everything together, it simmers for about 35-40 minutes including pasta cooking time. So plan for around 50-55 minutes total to make this hearty, delicious soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if you like.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the veggies start to soften.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Uncover the pot and stir in the elbow macaroni pasta. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is just cooked through (al dente).
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle your hearty veggie beef soup into bowls. Sprinkle with a bit of fresh or dried parsley for a pop of color. It’s wonderful served warm with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Soup?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging in cold water.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Pasta With Something Else?
Yes! You can swap the elbow macaroni for small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells, or use barley or rice for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
