Name: Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef, raw; 1 small Onion, diced; 1 tsp Garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 3.5 cups Beef broth; 1 15 oz can Petite diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 10.5 oz can Condensed tomato soup (room temperature); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 16 oz bag Frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw); 2 medium Potatoes, diced ((about 1/2-inch pieces))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with hearty vegetables and savory beef, this Vegetable Beef Soup is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy bowl to serve guests, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Fun fact: many families have their own spin on vegetable beef soup—some swear by adding barley, others opt for a splash of cream at the end. If you love simple, family-friendly dinners, this recipe is a keeper and easy to customize.

This version stands out for its straightforward prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and fast simmer time so you can get dinner on the table without stress. If you enjoyed our rich beef soups before, you might also like the texture contrast in this vegetable beef soup recipe which focuses on comfort and speed. Give it a try tonight—your family will thank you.

What is Vegetable Beef Soup?

What exactly is vegetable beef soup—just a bowl of vegetables and beef in broth, or something more magical? Think of it as a cozy, one-pot hug: savory ground beef, tender potatoes, a medley of vegetables, and a rich tomato-beef base that tastes like home. Who named it? Maybe the chef was feeling literal, or maybe someone once shouted, “There’s beef and veggies!” and the name stuck. And let’s be honest, if someone asks why you made it, you can smile and quote the classic saying: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want to see how easily this comes together? Grab a spoon and give it a try.

Why You’ll Love This

This Vegetable Beef Soup is irresistible for three big reasons. First, its main highlight is the hearty, beef-forward flavor balanced with tender potatoes and vibrant mixed vegetables—every spoonful offers a satisfying contrast of textures. Second, making this at home is cost-effective: simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and tomato soup stretch the flavor without breaking the bank, so you can feed a crowd for less. Third, toppings like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or warm crusty bread elevate the experience and add layers of flavor.

If you like the warming heartiness of a stew but want something quicker, this hits that sweet spot—less time than a long-simmered beef stew but with plenty of comforting depth. For another comforting option, compare flavors with our beef barley soup for a chewier texture and grainy bite. Ready to make it? Your kitchen will smell amazing.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This soup is easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying. Preparation is straightforward: brown the beef with onion and garlic, add the brothy tomato base and seasonings, toss in frozen vegetables and diced potatoes, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. The standout element is the rich, tomato-forward broth buoyed by Worcestershire and Italian seasoning. Total time: about 10 minutes prep and 30 minutes simmer—about 40 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, raw
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
3 1/2 cups beef broth
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup, room temperature
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables, no need to thaw
2 medium potatoes, diced (about 1/2-inch pieces)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add 1 lb ground beef, 1 small diced onion, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine and letting the flavors meld for 30 seconds.
Add 3 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir to incorporate.
Stir in 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables and 2 medium diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Vegetable Beef Soup

What to Serve With

Pair this soup with sides that complement its hearty, tomato-beef base. A warm, crusty baguette or slices of garlic bread soak up every last drop. For a lighter option, serve a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Grilled cheese sandwiches or buttery dinner rolls make the meal extra comforting for kids. If you want another hearty bowl to rotate into your menu, try our take on creamy beef mac soup for a pasta-forward twist.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version, or use bone broth for extra depth. If you prefer softer vegetables, thaw the frozen mix before adding.
Timing adjustments: If potatoes are cooking slowly, dice them smaller to reduce simmer time. For a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces against the pot and stir.
Flavor enhancements: A splash of red wine during deglazing or a teaspoon of smoked paprika adds complexity. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t rush browning the beef—those browned bits add flavor. Avoid over-salting early; condensed tomato soup and broth can be salty, so taste before adjusting.
Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk at the end for a creamier finish if desired.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration instructions: Cool the soup to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave 1 inch of headspace in the container to allow for expansion.

Shelf life details: Refrigerated soup is best within 3 to 4 days; frozen soup is best used within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Best reheating methods: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between bursts to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes. Use an equal volume of fresh vegetables, but add firmer vegetables like carrots and potatoes earlier so they have time to become tender.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I make the soup thicker?
Mash a few potato pieces in the pot or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, simmer until thickened.

Can I use leftover roast beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, shredded roast beef works well. Add it near the end of simmering to avoid overcooking and drying it out.

Conclusion

This Vegetable Beef Soup is a simple, budget-friendly, and comforting weeknight winner—quick to make, full of flavor, and loved by kids and adults alike. It’s forgiving to tweak, easy to store and reheat, and perfect for chilly nights. For another take on this classic you might enjoy exploring, see this detailed version of Vegetable Beef Soup on Cooking Classy for extra inspiration: a Vegetable Beef Soup recipe on Cooking Classy. Give this recipe a try and share a cozy bowl with family or friends—you’ll likely make it again and again.