Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup: A Wholesome & Easy Family Favorite for Cozy Nights

When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. This **Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup** isn’t just any soup; it’s a vibrant, filling, and incredibly easy meal that promises to become a staple in your family’s rotation. Imagine the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef combined with an abundance of wholesome vegetables, all simmering in a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe takes the beloved concept of a classic **hamburger soup** and elevates it with extra veggies and a perfectly balanced blend of seasonings, making it a true showstopper.

For me, the perfect pairing on a crisp winter day is a big bowl of this delicious soup alongside a warm slice of **homemade cornbread**. The sweet, crumbly cornbread perfectly complements the robust flavors of the soup, creating a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to gather your ingredients and make some magic in your kitchen!

Why This Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is a Must-Try

This soup isn’t just hearty by name; it’s hearty by nature. It delivers a perfect blend of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal in one pot. The ground beef provides a satisfying richness, while the medley of vegetables adds sweetness, texture, and a burst of vibrant color. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions or additions based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters! Ideal for meal prep, this soup often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for wholesome lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

What You’ll Need to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup: Key Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and stress-free cooking experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious **ground beef vegetable soup**, along with some tips for choosing the best:

• 1 pound ground beef: Opt for a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to keep the soup from being too greasy. If you use a higher fat content, remember to drain any excess fat after browning.
• 1 18 oz container Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash (or about 1/2 cup each butternut squash and sweet potato small diced, and 1/4 cup each small dice of red onion, & celery): This mix is a fantastic shortcut! It provides a seasonal blend of pre-diced veggies and herbs that add incredible depth of flavor. We’ll dive deeper into this ingredient below, including a homemade alternative.
• One can 15 ounce diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring a lovely acidity and slight sweetness to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Don’t drain them; include all the juices!
• 1 can 15-ounce cannellini beans: Also known as white kidney beans, cannellini beans add a creamy texture and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Rinse them well before adding to the soup.
• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth: The foundation of our soup! Using low sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. You can also use beef broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a lighter touch.
• 1 cup ditalini pasta: These small, tube-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for soup, as they cook quickly and are easy to spoon. Feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells.
• 2 Tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which are key to the soup’s aromatic depth.
• 1 Tablespoon garlic, 3 cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides an indispensable aromatic base. Don’t skimp on this!
• To serve top with grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish that truly elevates each spoonful.

Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash: A Clever Shortcut (or Make Your Own!)

The inspiration for this incredibly flavorful **Hearty Vegetable Soup** came directly from the convenience and deliciousness of the **Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash** veggie mix. I’ve used this mix in various recipes before, and it consistently delivers fantastic results. Its appeal lies in its perfectly diced vegetables, which save a significant amount of prep time, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze. The hash brings a unique, seasonal flavor profile to the soup, with a medley of root vegetables and aromatic herbs.

While the Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash is a seasonal item and might not always be available, don’t let that stop you from making this soup! You can very easily create a homemade version that captures the same delightful essence. The hash typically consists of diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, celery, red onion, and a blend of classic poultry herbs like parsley, sage, and rosemary. This combination adds both sweetness and an earthy depth that perfectly complements the ground beef.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own homemade version of the **Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash** for this recipe:

• 1/2 cup diced sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into small, even cubes)
• 1/2 cup diced butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into small, even cubes)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (finely diced for even cooking and flavor distribution)
• 1/4 cup diced celery (adds a subtle crunch and aromatic base)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed slightly to release its oils)

Prepping these fresh ingredients will take a little extra time, but the effort is well worth it for the incredible depth of flavor they add to your **Hearty Vegetable Soup**. These root vegetables become tender and slightly sweet as they simmer, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Achieving a restaurant-quality soup at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:

• Don’t Rush Browning the Beef: Ensure your ground beef is beautifully browned and crumbled. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor, known as the Maillard reaction, which is crucial for a rich soup. If there’s excess fat, drain it before adding vegetables.
• Sauté Vegetables Until Just Tender: Cooking the vegetable hash (or your homemade mix) for about 5 minutes over medium heat allows them to soften slightly and release their flavors without becoming mushy. This step also “blooms” the dried Italian seasoning, making it more aromatic.
• Control the Salt: Start with the recommended amount of salt and adjust at the end. Remember that chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese all contribute to the sodium content. Taste and season as you go.
• Add Pasta at the Right Time: Adding the ditalini pasta too early can result in overcooked, mushy pasta that absorbs too much broth. Add it towards the end of the cooking process, simmering only until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
• Allow it to Simmer: While this is a quick soup, a brief simmer after all ingredients are combined allows the flavors to meld and deepen. About 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor that truly stands out.

Variations & Customizations for Your Hearty Soup

This **Ground Beef Vegetable Soup** recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own:

• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrient content by adding other vegetables like chopped carrots, green beans, corn, frozen peas, or a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Different Proteins: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground sausage (Italian sausage works well!), or even shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for extra protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free small pasta shape to make this soup suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Herb Enhancements: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra layer of freshness and color.

Other Delicious Soup Recipes from AlexDaynes.com

If you’re a soup lover, you’re in the right place! AlexDaynes.com offers a variety of comforting and flavorful soup recipes perfect for any occasion. Once you’ve enjoyed this **Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup**, be sure to explore these other fantastic options:

• Broccoli Cheese Soup: A creamy, cheesy classic that’s pure comfort.
• Vegan Taco Soup: A flavorful and satisfying plant-based twist on a favorite.
• Loaded Potato Soup: All the indulgent flavors of a loaded baked potato in soup form, made easy with the Instant Pot.
• Cheesy Tortilla Soup: A rich and creamy soup with a delicious Tex-Mex flair.
• Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup: A lighter version of the Olive Garden classic, without sacrificing flavor.
• Chicken & Wild Rice Soup: A wholesome and hearty soup, perfect for a cozy meal.
• White Chicken Chili: A lighter, yet incredibly flavorful alternative to traditional chili.

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We hope you love this **Hearty Ground Beef Vegetable Soup** as much as we do! It’s truly one of the best ways to warm up from the inside out and nourish your body with a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, it brings comfort and flavor to every spoonful. Don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread or that wonderful homemade cornbread for a complete and satisfying experience.

If you give this recipe a try, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, rate the recipe to help other home cooks, or even snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram or Pinterest! Seeing your creations always makes our day!