Hearty Ground Beef Soup Recipes

Hearty Ground Beef Soup Recipes

Hearty Ground Beef Soup Recipes

As the temperatures start to lower, people come inside feeling hungry and a little grumpy. A large pot of ground beef soup can fix almost any problem! This soup is budget and freezer friendly. It is so cozy, the whole family will linger at the table. So grab your favorite pot and lets get something warm bubbling on the stove.

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1) Classic Beef and Barley

Beef and barley stew

The classic bowl of comfort that always stays in fashion.

Beef and barley stew

Classic Beef and Barley

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 0.75 cup pearl barley
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and saute until softened.
  3. Stir in the barley, beef broth, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer 40 minutes until the barley is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Notes

The barley keeps absorbing liquid, so add more broth when reheating leftovers.

2) Southwestern Beef and Black Bean

Southwestern beef and black bean soup on a plate

A bit smoky, a bit spicy, and a whole lot of comfortable.

Taco soup

Southwestern Beef and Black Bean

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 4 cups beef broth

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin until fragrant.
  3. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Serve topped with avocado or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

A handful of crushed tortilla chips on top adds great crunch.

3) Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup

Small beef meatballs and vegetables in a bowl of comforting broth.

Italian wedding soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan and roll into small meatballs.
  2. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot.
  3. Gently drop in the meatballs and cook 10 minutes.
  4. Add the pasta and cook until tender.
  5. Stir in the spinach until wilted and serve.

Notes

Bake the meatballs first if you want a cleaner, less cloudy broth.

4) Spicy Beef and Cabbage

Spicy Beef and Cabbage on a plate

Hearty, spicy, and somehow light on the wallet.

Spicy Beef and Cabbage on a plate

Spicy Beef and Cabbage

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cups cabbage shredded
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp paprika

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Stir in the red pepper flakes and paprika.
  3. Add the cabbage, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Taste, adjust the heat, and serve hot.

Notes

Dial the red pepper flakes back for the kids, then add hot sauce to your own bowl.

5) Hearty Beef and Tomato

Hearty Beef and Tomato on a plate

Tomato deliciousness with just the right amount of beefy heft.

Hearty Beef and Tomato on a plate

Hearty Beef and Tomato

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, then drain.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity.
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Season to taste and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

A splash of cream at the end makes it taste like creamy tomato soup.

6) Beef and Lentil Stew

Beef and Lentil Stew on a plate

Sticks to your ribs and is packed with protein.

Beef and Lentil Stew on a plate

Beef and Lentil Stew

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1.5 cups brown lentils rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp cumin

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and carrots, then drain.
  2. Stir in the cumin until fragrant.
  3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  5. Season and serve thick and hot.

Notes

Brown lentils hold their shape best; red lentils will turn the stew mushier.

7) Beef Chili with Beans

Beef chili

The thing that everyone loves and goes missing every game night.

Beef chili

Beef Chili with Beans

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 cans kidney beans drained
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 2 cups beef broth

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin.
  3. Add the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  5. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.

Notes

It tastes even better the next day, so make a double batch.

8) Thai Beef and Coconut Soup

Incredible taste variation with creamy coconut and bright lemongrass.

Thai Beef and Coconut Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef, then drain and set aside.
  2. Stir the curry paste in the pot until fragrant.
  3. Add the coconut milk and beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Return the beef and stir in the fish sauce.
  5. Simmer 15 minutes, then finish with lime juice and cilantro.

Notes

Add sliced mushrooms or baby spinach to bulk it up with extra veggies.

9) Beef and Vegetable Minestrone

Beef and Vegetable Minestrone on a plate

One wholesome pot has the value of a garden's worth of vegetables and beef.

Beef and Vegetable Minestrone on a plate

Beef and Vegetable Minestrone

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 can kidney beans drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 0.75 cup small pasta

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and carrots, then drain.
  2. Add the zucchini, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  3. Bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the pasta and cook until tender.
  5. Season and top with parmesan to serve.

Notes

Throw in any leftover veggies hiding in your fridge; minestrone is forgiving.

10) Ginger Beef and Carrot Soup

This one has a cozy zing from warming ginger and sweet carrots.

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Ginger Beef and Carrot Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Stir in the grated ginger until fragrant.
  3. Add the carrots, beef broth, and soy sauce.
  4. Simmer for 18 minutes until the carrots are tender.
  5. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Notes

A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a lovely nutty aroma.

11) Beef and Wild Rice

The combination of nutty wild rice and savory beef really elevates this dish.

Beef and Wild Rice

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and carrots, then drain.
  2. Add the wild rice, beef broth, and thyme.
  3. Simmer for 40 minutes until the rice is tender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and warm through.
  5. Season and serve.

Notes

Wild rice takes a while to cook, so don't rush the simmer.

12) Mushroom and Beef Bouillon

Satisfyingly earthy and savory, ideal for mushroom lovers.

Mushroom and Beef Bouillon

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 12 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute until the mushrooms release their liquid.
  3. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and thyme.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Season and serve piping hot.

Notes

A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms gives the richest flavor.

13) Savory Beef and Onion

French onion soup received a deliciously beefy upgrade.

Savory Beef and Onion

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter and caramelize the onions slowly until golden, about 15 minutes.
  2. Push the onions aside and brown the ground beef, then drain.
  3. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire, and thyme.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Season and serve with toasted bread and cheese on top.

Notes

Patience with the onions is everything; let them go really golden.

14) Beef and Potato Chowder

Creamy and thick just like what you'd want on a cold night.

Beef and Potato Chowder

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 potatoes diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Add the potatoes and beef broth and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Whisk the flour into the milk and stir into the pot.
  4. Cook until thickened, stirring often.
  5. Stir in the cheddar until melted and serve.

Notes

Mash a few potato chunks against the pot to thicken it even more.

15) Mexican Beef Tortilla Soup

Dump and go taco chili

With a zest and richness that brings together all the toppings, it is sure to please.

Dump and go taco chili

Mexican Beef Tortilla Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 corn tortillas sliced

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and corn.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Crisp the tortilla strips, then serve them on top with avocado and cheese.

Notes

Bake the tortilla strips with a little oil for crispier topping.

16) Beef and Spinach Ramen

Beef and Spinach Ramen on a plate

Noodles you can slurp, and beef to savor – what a fun way to mix things up on a weeknight!

Beef and Spinach Ramen on a plate

Beef and Spinach Ramen

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 packages ramen noodles
  • 3 cups spinach

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the ginger and garlic, then drain.
  2. Add the beef broth and soy sauce and bring to a boil.
  3. Drop in the ramen noodles and cook until tender.
  4. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
  5. Ladle into bowls and serve right away.

Notes

Skip the seasoning packets and use your own broth for better flavor.

17) Beef Pho with Noodles

Pho beef noodle soup

Here is a simple Vietnamese classic you can make on a weeknight.

Pho beef noodle soup

Beef Pho with Noodles

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef, then drain and set aside.
  2. Simmer the beef broth with the cinnamon, star anise, and ginger for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain out the whole spices.
  4. Cook the rice noodles separately and divide among bowls.
  5. Ladle the broth and beef over the noodles and top with fresh herbs.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sriracha for everyone to customize.

18) Creamy Beef and Corn Soup

The combination of sweet corn and cream is the definition of comfort food.

Creamy Beef and Corn Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cups corn
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp butter

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, then drain.
  2. Add the corn and beef broth and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour and milk, and cook into a smooth sauce.
  4. Stir the cream sauce into the soup until thickened.
  5. Season and serve warm.

Notes

Blend half the soup for a thicker, creamier texture if you like.

19) Beef and Pepper Stew

Beef and Pepper Stew on a plate

Sweet bell peppers and beef are simmered together into something soul-warming.

Beef and Pepper Stew on a plate

Beef and Pepper Stew

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 bell peppers sliced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, then drain.
  2. Add the bell peppers and saute until they start to soften.
  3. Stir in the paprika, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  5. Season and serve over rice if desired.

Notes

Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for the prettiest bowl.

20) Rustic Beef and Bacon

Bacon and beef come together and create a symphony of tastes because more is always more.

Rustic Beef and Bacon

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 potatoes diced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 tsp thyme

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef with the onion in the bacon drippings, then drain excess fat.
  3. Add the potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and thyme.
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir most of the bacon back in and use the rest to garnish.

Notes

Save some of that crispy bacon for the very top; it's the best part.

21) Ground Beef, Mushroom, and Red Wine Soup

A weeknight-appropriate take on the renowned French classic.

Ground Beef, Mushroom, and Red Wine Soup

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup pearl onions
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon until crisp, then set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef in the drippings, then drain excess fat.
  3. Add the mushrooms and pearl onions and saute until golden.
  4. Pour in the red wine to deglaze, then stir in the tomato paste.
  5. Add the beef broth and thyme and simmer 30 minutes.
  6. Stir the bacon back in, season, and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

Use a wine you'd actually drink; it really does make a difference here.

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