When the weather turns chilly or you crave a warm, satisfying meal, nothing beats a bowl of homemade tomato and ground beef soup. This hearty soup combines tender ground beef, juicy tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, aromatic seasonings, and a rich tomato broth for a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or your favorite crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Soup
- Hearty and filling: Ground beef and vegetables make every bowl satisfying.
- Rich tomato flavor: A tomato-based broth creates a delicious, savory taste.
- Easy one-pot cooking: Everything cooks together in one pot for less cleanup.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients commonly found in most kitchens.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors become even more delicious as the soup rests.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 55 minutes
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup uncooked small pasta or rice, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
If there is excess fat, carefully drain it. Add a little olive oil only if the beef is very lean and the pot needs extra moisture.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and a little salt. Cook for about one minute to help release the flavors of the seasonings.
Step 4: Pour in the Tomatoes and Broth
Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer Until Flavorful
Cover partially and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
If you want a thicker, more filling soup, stir in the uncooked pasta or rice and cook according to the package instructions, adding extra broth if necessary.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Homemade Beef Soup
Brown the beef well. Browning creates a deeper, richer flavor than simply boiling the meat in the broth.
Use fresh vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, and onions add natural sweetness, texture, and color.
Adjust the thickness. Add more broth for a lighter soup or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken it.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper if you enjoy heat.
Add more vegetables. Corn, peas, celery, zucchini, or chopped spinach can make this soup even more colorful and nutritious.
Finish with fresh herbs. Parsley or basil adds a fresh flavor just before serving.
Delicious Variations
Ground Beef and Rice Soup
Replace the pasta with 1/2 cup of uncooked rice. Add extra broth as needed and simmer until the rice is tender.
Italian-Style Tomato Beef Soup
Add Italian seasoning and a handful of small pasta shapes. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Spicy Beef and Tomato Soup
Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped jalapeño while cooking the vegetables.
Vegetable-Packed Beef Soup
Include diced potatoes, celery, green beans, or frozen mixed vegetables. This is an excellent way to use up vegetables already in your refrigerator.
Low-Carbohydrate Version
Skip the pasta, rice, and potatoes. Add extra low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but these sides make it even better:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Soft homemade dinner rolls
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- A fresh garden salad
- Crackers or breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup with warm bread and a little butter.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Use within 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for approximately 2–3 months for best quality. Leave a little space at the top for expansion.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the pasta or rice separately and adding it when serving. This helps prevent it from becoming overly soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors often become even richer overnight.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter, so you may want to add extra herbs or seasonings.
How can I make the soup thicker?
Simmer it uncovered for several minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a little cooked rice, pasta, or diced potato to create a thicker consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes. Use approximately 2 pounds (900 g) of ripe chopped tomatoes in place of the canned tomatoes. The flavor and thickness may vary depending on how juicy the tomatoes are.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely. Divide it into individual portions for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store the soup properly and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Final Thoughts
This hearty homemade tomato and ground beef soup is a simple, flavorful recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. With tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, it is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and seasonings.
Whether you serve it on a cold evening, prepare it for a busy week, or share it with family and friends, this one-pot soup is a practical recipe worth keeping.
Make a big batch, serve it with warm crusty bread, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal that everyone can look forward to!
Have you tried homemade ground beef and tomato soup? Share your favorite additions or seasoning ideas in the comments below.
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