Hey there! Looking for a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal thatâs gonna melt your worries away?
Well, buckle up, buddy, because youâre about to discover the quick and easy vegetable beef soup that checks all the boxes: fast to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast if youâre feeling adventurous. Trust me, this isnât your average, boring soupâitâs the best ever, and itâs got personality.
Whether youâre juggling toddler dinners, college late-night study sessions, or just craving a cozy lunch that warms you from the inside out, this recipeâs got you covered. Ready to dig in? Letâs get started!
Why This Vegetable Beef Soup Is Seriously the GOAT đ
Look, soup isnât just soup, right? The right soup can change everythingâit can be your warm hug on a rainy day, your nutritious punch when lifeâs hectic, or your âI got thisâ dinner when the dayâs been long. This vegetable beef soup is all that and then some.
Hereâs why it rules:
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Itâs incredibly versatile â swap veggies, add or skip pasta, throw in rice, or keep it super simple.
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Hamburger meat saves the day â quick to cook, budget-friendly, and oh-so-tasty.
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Perfect for different meals â donât laugh, but soup for breakfast is underrated, and this one works beautifully.
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Toddler-friendly â chopped veggies and tender beef make it a win for picky eaters.
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Made for leftovers â freezes like a dream; no worried about wasting food here.
Are you catching the vibe? This soup will be your go-to recipe, easy enough for a beginner but delicious enough to impress anyone.
The Buzz About Hamburger Meat Soup (Yes, Hamburger!)
Forget the stewing chunksâif youâre using hamburger meat with vegetables, youâre in for something amazing. The ground beef cooks fast and soaks up all the flavors like a sponge (a delicious, meaty sponge). If youâve been thinking, âIs stew with hamburger meat really a thing?â Yep, and itâs a game changer.
Why hamburger meat works:
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Affordable and easy to find: No special trip needed.
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Quick cooking: No hours of simmering.
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Loads of flavor: Perfectly complements veggies and broth.
If youâre wondering how this compares to traditional beef stew meat, itâs way faster and doesnât mean sacrificing flavor. Plus, who has hours to wait? Not you!
The Ultimate Ingredients List: What You Absolutely Need
Hereâs the no-nonsense rundown of ingredients for your next favorite soup:
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1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (hamburger meat)
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4 cups low-sodium beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
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2 medium carrots, chopped
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2 stalks celery, chopped
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (or leave the peel on for extra nutrients)
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1 cup green beans, chopped
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1/2 cup barley or small pasta shapes for some extra body
No weird stuff. No shortcuts that sacrifice quality or ingredient integrity. Just honest-to-goodness food thatâs nourishing and fits your lifestyle.
Step-by-Step: How To Make The Best Vegetable Beef Soup Ever
Letâs talk action. This soup is straightforward, but following these steps makes sure you get those perfect flavors every time.
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the garlic and onion right awayâbecause flavor boost.
Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If your beef was fatty, drain the excess greaseâunless you like living on the edge with some extra richness. (IMO, a little grease adds flavor, but donât flood the pot!)
Step 2: Adding the Veggies
Throw in the diced carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and corn. Stir everything around so those veggies get cozy with the beef.
Step 3: Time For The Broth
Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine all the goodness.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Toss in the bay leaf and thyme. Donât overthink it; this simple seasoning is what elevates the soup to the next level.
Step 5: Simmer and Chill (Well, Not Literally)
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. This step lets all those flavors mingle and develop. Youâll see the broth darken and the veggies soften perfectly.
Step 6: Add Optional Extras
If you like your soup chunky with some bite, nowâs when to add barley or pasta. (Just a heads-up: Pasta cooks quickly, so donât add it too early or youâll have mush city.)
Simmer another 10 minutes or until everythingâs cooked just right.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Hereâs the crucial partâtaste your soup. Add salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. Donât skip this!
Want It Easier? Crock Pot to the Rescue!
Nothing beats tossing everything into your slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a crock pot vegetable beef soup masterpiece.
How to do it:
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Brown your ground beef with garlic and onions.
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Add the beef, all chopped veggies, beef broth, canned tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme into the crock pot.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Add optional pasta or barley in the last hour.
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Season to taste before serving.
Boom, dinnerâs ready without lifting a finger. Perfect for busy days.
Little Lunch, Big Flavor: Toddler-Friendly & College Cheap
If youâre cooking for toddlers, this soupâs magic lies in the small, tender beef pieces and soft veggies. No teeth tantrums here.
College students? This recipe is dynamite because itâs:
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Budget-friendly
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Quick to make
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Leftover-friendly
Plus, you can batch cook and freeze portions for those midnight study sessions where you need something filling without the effort.
My Go-To Kitchen Hacks For Soup That Slays
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Use fresh herbs if you have them â fresh parsley or thyme makes a giant difference.
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Donât be shy with garlic â it adds that mouthwatering aroma.
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Add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end â it wakes up the broth.
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Make double and freeze half â it just tastes better the next day.
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Got leftover beef tips? Throw âem in! This soup is forgiving.
15 FAQs Answered Like a Pro
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Can I swap ground beef for stew meat?
Yes, but stew meat needs a longer cook time to soften up, so adjust cooking accordingly. -
Is this soup suitable for toddlers?
Absolutely, just chop veggies finely and ensure beef pieces are small and tender. -
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Skip beef and add beans or lentils instead. -
Whatâs the best broth to use?
Low-sodium beef broth works great, or homemade for the flavor superstars. -
Can I use canned veggies?
You can, but fresh or frozen taste much better. -
How long can I store leftovers?
3-4 days in the fridge; up to 3 months in the freezer. -
Can I add pasta? When?
Yes! Add pasta in the last 10 minutes of cooking. -
What about gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free pasta or grains like rice or quinoa. -
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! Brown beef with the sauté function, then pressure cook with the rest. -
How do I keep the soup from being too salty?
Use low-sodium broth and salt sparingly; taste as you go. -
Is it okay to leave out the tomatoes?
Sure, but tomatoes add a nice acidity and depth. -
Any tips for richer flavor?
Add a spoon of tomato paste and brown the beef well. -
What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, salad, or garlic toast is perfect. -
Can this be served cold?
Itâs best warm, but chilled soup lovers can give it a try! -
Why is this soup better than store-bought?
You control the ingredientsâfresh, nutritious, and no hidden icky stuff.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Every Occasion
Itâs easy, nutritious, adaptableâwhether itâs a quick breakfast for champions, toddler dinner without fuss, or filling college snack. Plus, itâs comforting, hearty, and just feels like home.
Reputable Recipe Inspirations
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The Cozy Cook Recipes Soup
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Moms Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
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Grandmaâs Vegetable Beef Soup
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Cooking Classy Vegetable Beef Soup
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Little Lunch
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Cooking for Seniors Easy Recipes
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Classic Vegetable Beef Soup from trusted kitchen blogs
Ready to get cooking? Grab that pot and get cozy. Your ultimate homemade vegetable beef soup is just a few simple steps away. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, having fun, and enjoying every bite. So, whatâs the holdup? That soup isnât going to eat itself! đ





