Homemade Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe in 45 Minutes in 2025

There’s something magical about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove. The aroma fills the kitchen, and suddenly, the whole house feels cozier.

That’s precisely what this Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe delivers. It’s hearty, packed with colorful veggies, and full of comforting flavors that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, nourishing, and family-approved, you’re in the right place. This recipe combines tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a snow day in winter, or even just a weeknight when you want something wholesome, this soup is always the answer. Ready to dive in? Let’s cook together!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Vegetable Soup

There are hundreds of soup recipes out there, but this soup has that special “comfort factor” that makes it stand out. Here’s why you’ll find yourself cooking it over and over again:

• Wholesome and filling: With tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a rainbow of vegetables, this soup keeps you full without being heavy. It’s balanced comfort food.
• Weeknight-friendly: The steps are simple: brown the beef, chop some veggies, simmer everything together, and you’ve got a complete meal in under an hour. No complicated techniques, just straightforward cooking.
• Customizable to your taste: Not into celery? Leave it out. Want to swap potatoes for pasta or rice? Go for it. This soup is flexible enough to fit your preferences or whatever you already have in your fridge.
• Nutritious comfort: Unlike cream-based soups, this one is broth-based and loaded with fresh vegetables, making it both hearty and healthy. You can enjoy a big bowl without guilt.
• Kid-friendly: The mild flavors make it easy for little ones to enjoy. Using baby carrots, peas, and corn often wins over even the pickiest eaters.
• Perfect for any season: It’s cozy enough for snow days in winter but light enough to enjoy in fall or even spring. This isn’t just a cold-weather dish; it’s suitable for year-round use throughout the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a clear breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this beef vegetable soup recipe.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose / Notes
Ground Beef	1 pound	Use lean beef for less grease; it adds savory richness.
Yellow Onion	1 small, diced	Cooked with meat for flavor depth and sweetness.
Russet Potatoes	2, peeled and diced	Adds heartiness; can be swapped for pasta or rice.
Carrots	2 cups, sliced thin	Regular or baby carrots add sweetness and color to dishes.
Celery	2 cups, diced	Adds crunch and balance; optional if you’re not a fan.
Garlic	2 teaspoons, minced	Boosts savory flavor; add after beef is browned.
Beef Broth	8 cups	Creates the soup’s rich base; use low-sodium if preferred.
Petite Diced Tomatoes	2 cans	Adds tang, texture, and color to the broth.
Italian Seasoning	1 teaspoon	Brings herbal depth; use homemade or store-bought.
Salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
Black Pepper	½ teaspoon	Adds a mild kick and balance.
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tablespoon	Deepens flavor with savory umami.
Tomato Paste	1 tablespoon	Thickens broth and enriches flavor; freeze leftovers for later use.
Green Beans	1 ½ cups, fresh or frozen	Adds crunch and freshness; stir in before simmering.
Bay Leaves	2 whole	Infuses aromatic flavor; remove before serving.
Corn	1 cup, frozen	Adds sweetness and extra texture.
Peas	1 cup, frozen	Balances the hearty veggies with light freshness.
Parsley	⅓ cup, freshly chopped	Stirred in last for brightness and a fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Beef Vegetable Soup

Making a pot of beef vegetable soup from scratch might sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s a breeze once you break it down.

Let’s walk through each step together. Grab your favorite apron and let’s make your kitchen smell amazing.

🥄 Step 1: Brown the Beef

Let’s start with the foundation of flavor: ground beef. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. You want to get it nice and browned.

This part is essential because it develops the rich, savory flavor base that makes the whole soup taste like it has been cooking all day.

As the beef cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together. If you’re using lean ground beef (like 90% lean or higher), you’ll notice there’s not much grease to deal with.

That’s perfect! If you’re using regular ground beef and see a lot of fat pooling in the pot, go ahead and drain it off carefully once the meat is fully browned.

Now, here’s a quick tip: While the beef is cooking, add one small, diced yellow onion. The heat will soften the onion, allowing it to absorb all the meaty flavor as it cooks alongside the beef.

Stir it all together until the onion becomes translucent and starts to smell slightly sweet. This combo alone smells so good it’s like the opening scene of a delicious meal.

🥕 Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef and onion are doing their thing, let’s get those veggies ready. This is where the soup becomes vibrant, hearty, and full of color. You’ll need a mix of fresh produce, some of which is peeled and some is chopped, all of which are easy to prepare.

Start with two russet potatoes. Peel them and dice them into small cubes. Don’t worry about making them perfect; just keep them bite-sized so they cook evenly. Potatoes add that soft, starchy element that makes every spoonful satisfying.

Next up: carrots. You’ll need about 2 cups of sliced carrots. You can use large whole carrots and slice them thin, or grab baby carrots and cut them in half. Baby carrots are a shortcut I love, especially on busy days. They’re sweet, tender, and kid-approved.

Then comes celery, you’ll want about 2 cups, diced. Suppose celery isn’t your favorite, no problem. Feel free to skip it or replace it with something else, like zucchini or bell peppers. That’s the beauty of homemade soup: you control what goes in.

Pro tip: Prep all your veggies before adding them to the soup. This makes everything go smoother later and helps you avoid the frantic “Wait! I forgot to peel the potatoes!” moment.

🧄 Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics

Once the beef is browned and the onions are tender, stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. You can use fresh garlic if you love that bold bite, or jarred garlic for convenience.

Let it cook for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a flash, so stir constantly and keep the heat on medium-low. This small step adds SO much flavor. It’s the kind of smell that makes people peek into the kitchen and say, “What are you making?!”

If your beef had any excess fat and you haven’t drained it yet, now’s the time to do so before you move on to the broth.

🍅 Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Okay, let’s build the heart of the soup, the broth. This is where everything comes together in one pot of pure comfort.

Start by pouring in 8 cups of beef broth. You can use low-sodium if you want more control over the salt later. Stir to combine it with the beef, onions, and garlic. Then, add in 2 cans of petite diced tomatoes (undrained).

You’ll notice that the broth takes on a gorgeous red hue, and the tomatoes add brightness that balances the richness of the beef.

Next, mix in the seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 teaspoon of salt – you can adjust this later if needed.
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper – for a mild kick.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds deep umami and richness.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – helps thicken the broth and adds a bold, rich tomato flavor.

Stir well to ensure the tomato paste dissolves completely. If you’re worried about waste from leftover tomato paste, don’t be! I’ll share my freezer hack for saving it at the end of this post.

At this point, everything starts smelling like a cozy winter day in a log cabin. You’ll want to taste it already, but hold on, the best part is coming!

🥔 Step 5: Add Veggies to the Pot

Now it’s time to bulk up that broth with your chopped vegetables. Gently add in your:

• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery
• 1½ cups of green beans (fresh or frozen)

Stir everything together and admire the vibrant colors: the orange from the carrots, the green from the beans, and the creamy yellows from the potatoes. It’s basically a rainbow in your soup pot.

Then, toss in 2 bay leaves. These leaves infuse a subtle woodsy flavor and add a touch of elegance. (Just remember to remove them later before serving, they’re not for eating.)

Cover the pot and bring everything to a low simmer. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

This is when your whole kitchen smells like love. It’s warm, earthy, savory… and you just know it’s going to be delicious.

🌽 Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Once the soup has simmered and the potatoes are soft, it’s time for the final touches that bring everything to life. Stir in:

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ⅓ cup freshly chopped parsley

These ingredients don’t need much cooking, just a few minutes to warm through. They add brightness, sweetness, and a pop of color that makes the soup feel fresh and not overly heavy.

The parsley, in particular, is the secret weapon here. It lifts the flavor and adds a touch of green that makes the whole dish feel garden-fresh. Don’t skip it if you can help it.

Taste your soup now. Adjust seasoning if needed. A little more salt or pepper? You decide.

🍲 Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

Before serving, use a spoon to fish out the bay leaves. They’ve done their job by now and don’t belong in a bite.

Now it’s time to grab your ladle and dish up this gorgeous, hearty soup. Each spoonful is full of chunky vegetables, juicy beef, and intensely flavorful broth.

Pair it with:

• A grilled cheese sandwich (cheddar, sourdough, yes please!)
• Garlic toast with butter
• Or just eat it solo, it’s that satisfying.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Beef Vegetable Soup

You have the recipe, but now let’s talk about secrets. These tips will take your beef vegetable soup from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, these are the little details that make a big difference.

💡 1. Use Lean Ground Beef

Choose extra-lean ground beef, if possible. It makes the soup cleaner and lighter while still giving that rich, meaty flavor. If you use a fattier blend, be sure to drain the grease after browning to avoid an oily broth.

🧅 2. Cook Onions with the Beef

This might seem small, but sautéing onions directly with the ground beef helps build layers of flavor from the very start. It softens the onions while allowing them to absorb all the beefy goodness. Trust me, don’t skip this step.

🥄 3. Garlic Goes In Late

Garlic is delicate. Add it after the beef is browned and onions are soft, just before adding broth and seasonings. It only needs a minute to get fragrant. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter, and we’re not about that life.

🥔 4. Dice Potatoes Evenly

Evenly diced potatoes cook faster and more consistently. If your chunks are too big, the outside may be mushy while the inside remains raw. Keep them bite-sized, and your soup will be perfectly tender.

🥕 5. Swap Ingredients Freely

The best part of this recipe? It’s flexible.

• No green beans? Use zucchini.
• Out of potatoes? Add pasta or rice.
• Hate celery? Skip it.

Beef vegetable soup is one of those forgiving dishes where almost anything can be added. Use what you love or what you have on hand.

What to Serve with Beef Vegetable Soup

Sure, this soup is satisfying on its own, but let’s be honest, pairing it with the right side dish turns it into an absolute feast. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

🧀 1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

You can’t go wrong here. A crispy grilled cheese with gooey melted cheddar is the perfect dunking companion. Think: bite of sandwich, spoonful of soup, repeat. Heaven.

🥖 2. Toasted French Bread

Thick slices of French or sourdough bread, brushed with butter and toasted until golden, are ideal for soaking up every drop of that savory broth.

Want to make it extra special? Rub the toast with a clove of garlic while it’s still warm. Add a sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

🥗 3. Crisp Side Salad

Balance the hearty soup with a light green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cucumber, and vinaigrette works beautifully. It refreshes your palate and adds a bit of crunch.

🧈 4. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm dinner rolls slathered in butter are always a win. They’re especially nice if you’re serving a crowd or making this soup for Sunday dinner.

Why This Soup Works Every Time

What makes this beef vegetable soup recipe such a go-to in so many households? It’s not just the ingredients or the method, it’s the combination of comfort, flexibility, and foolproof flavor.

🛠 Simple Steps, Big Results

You don’t need fancy tools or gourmet skills to pull this off. One pot, basic pantry staples, and a few fresh veggies, that’s it. It’s as easy as browning, chopping, and simmering. Anyone can do it.

🧘‍♀️ Zero Stress

There’s nothing fussy or fragile about this soup. You can:

• Toss in whatever veggies you love.
• Let it simmer while you attend to other tasks.
• Freeze the extras without worrying about texture changes.

It’s cooking without pressure, just the way it should be.

🥣 Crowd-Pleaser

Kids love it. Grown-ups ask for seconds. Picky eaters can pick around the celery (if they must). It’s naturally gluten-free, hearty enough for meat-lovers, and can be made dairy-free. It fits a wide range of diets.

💰 Budget-Friendly

Let’s be real, some nights, you’re trying to cook something delicious without emptying your wallet. This soup makes a generous batch, uses affordable ingredients, and stretches beautifully into multiple meals.

🍲 Cozy Factor

At the end of the day, this soup feels like home. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to slow down, recharge, and feed the people you love (including yourself).

Whether it’s a snowy evening, a busy weeknight, or a lazy Sunday, this soup shows up for you warm, comforting, and totally satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe isn’t just another soup, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together.

Whether you’re trying to warm up on a cold evening, prep meals ahead of a busy week, or simply feed your family something hearty and wholesome, this soup delivers every time.

The flavors are deep, the veggies are tender, and the broth is pure comfort. And the best part? It’s a one-pot wonder that lets you toss everything in, simmer it down, and relax while the magic happens.

So next time you’re staring at a few potatoes, some frozen veggies, and a pound of ground beef, don’t overthink it. Make this soup. You’ll be glad you did.

🍽 You’ll Also Crave These Cozy Favorites

Looking for more easy and comforting soup recipes for chilly nights and lazy dinners? Try these Foodbears favorites next:

🥣 Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe Perfect for Weeknights

Light, creamy, and loaded with pillowy gnocchi, this soup feels indulgent but is super simple to throw together on a weeknight.

🥦 Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe in Just 40 Minutes

A velvety, rich cauliflower soup that’s perfect for when you want something cozy but light. No heavy cream needed!

🍜 Egg Drop Soup Recipe for Lazy Weeknight Dinners

A quick, savory Asian-inspired soup with silky egg ribbons and a flavorful broth ready in under 20 minutes!