9 Best Ground Beef Soup Recipes For Easy Comfort

Q: How do you make hamburger soup not greasy?

The key to non-greasy hamburger soup is to start with lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) and to thoroughly drain all excess fat after browning the meat. Before adding your broth and other ingredients, tilt the pot and use a spoon to remove the rendered grease. This single step makes a huge difference in the final result.

Q: What is cowboy soup made of?

Cowboy soup is a very hearty, stew-like soup typically made with ground beef, a variety of beans (like pinto and kidney), corn, and diced potatoes. It's often seasoned with ranch dressing mix and cooked in a beef broth with diced tomatoes and green chiles, creating a savory and satisfying meal perfect for a slow cooker.

Tired of the Same Old Dinners? Discover Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

Are you stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, staring at a package of ground beef and drawing a blank? It’s a familiar challenge: finding a meal that’s quick, easy, satisfying, and something the whole family will actually eat. The cycle of tacos, spaghetti, and burgers can get old, leaving you searching for a fresh idea that doesn’t require a ton of effort or exotic ingredients. You need a reliable, comforting, and versatile solution to break the meal-planning fatigue. As a busy home cook myself, I know the value of a one-pot meal that the whole family loves. These are my go-to, tested-and-perfected ground beef soup recipes that never fail.

The ultimate answer to your dinner dilemma is a hearty, flavorful ground beef soup. Ground beef soup is a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights that combines lean, versatile ground beef with a medley of vegetables, rich broth, and satisfying starches like potatoes or pasta. Its incredible versatility allows for endless flavor variations, from classic vegetable soup to creamy cheeseburger or spicy taco soup, making it a budget-friendly and deeply comforting meal for any occasion. This curated list features 9 incredible, easy-to-follow recipes for every taste, guaranteed to become new family favorites.

☰ Table of Contents ▼ show

9 Best Ground beef Soup Recipes for Easy Comfort (Updated for 2025)

Get ready to transform that simple package of ground beef into a bowl of pure comfort. The following recipes showcase the incredible range of ground beef soup, from classic, vegetable-packed broths to creamy, cheesy delights and spicy, festive creations. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and delicious, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Each recipe includes tips I’ve learned from making these dozens of times, ensuring you get perfect results and avoid common pitfalls like greasy soup. Let’s dive in and find your new go-to comfort meal!

Classic Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Creamy Dreamy Cheeseburger Soup
Hearty One-Pot Taco Soup
Cozy Beef and Potato Soup
Easy Beef and Macaroni Soup
Quick Lasagna Soup
Healthy Veggie & Ground Beef Soup
Old-Fashioned Beef & Barley Soup
Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup

1. The Classic: Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

This soup is the epitome of classic, hearty comfort food, combining lean ground beef with a medley of common pantry vegetables in a rich beef broth. It’s a reliable, old-fashioned favorite that’s both nourishing and simple to make.

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cups beef broth, 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 2 large potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans).
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
2. Add carrots, celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), potatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Pro-Tip: To avoid a greasy soup, always use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) and be sure to drain the fat thoroughly after browning. For extra flavor, don’t wipe the pot clean—the browned bits add depth.

Pin this classic comfort recipe for your next chilly evening!

2. Creamy Dreamy Cheeseburger Soup

This rich and decadent soup tastes exactly like a cheeseburger in a bowl, featuring a creamy, cheesy base loaded with savory ground beef and tender potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers.

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 3 cups beef broth, 4 cups potatoes (diced), 1 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Optional toppings: cooked bacon, diced pickles, croutons.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot; drain fat and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add beef broth, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a paste (roux) and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the soup pot. Cook, stirring, until the soup thickens.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Do not boil.
6. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with desired toppings.

Lesson Learned: To prevent the creamy base from curdling, make sure the heat is on low when you add the cheese and stir constantly. Adding the cheese in small handfuls also helps it melt smoothly.

Save this cheesy masterpiece to your ‘Comfort Food’ board now!

3. Hearty One-Pot Taco Soup

This recipe delivers all the zesty, spicy flavor of tacos in an easy one-pot soup that’s packed with ground beef, beans, and corn. It’s a perfect, filling meal for a quick weeknight dinner with all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained), 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 4 cups beef broth. Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked through. Drain any fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for one minute more.
3. Add the rinsed beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot.
4. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite taco toppings.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. If you have extra time, letting the soup simmer for an hour on low makes it even better. This recipe is also fantastic for a slow cooker—just brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Ready for Taco Tuesday? Pin this one-pot wonder!

4. Cozy Beef and Potato Soup

A truly simple and comforting soup where tender potatoes and savory ground beef are the stars. This straightforward recipe is incredibly filling and perfect for a chilly day when you need something hearty and warm.

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 6 cups beef broth, 5 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 celery ribs (sliced), 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped).
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a large Dutch oven. Drain fat.
2. Stir in beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon to slightly thicken the soup.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Pro-Tip: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better than russets during simmering and lend a slightly creamy texture to the broth without turning to mush.

Pin this simple and satisfying soup for a comforting dinner!

5. Easy One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup

This is a fast, family-friendly one-pot meal that combines seasoned ground beef and tender macaroni in a rich tomato broth. It’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 6 cups beef broth, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni, salt and pepper. Optional: 1 cup frozen corn.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown ground beef, onion, and garlic. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the uncooked macaroni and stir well. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. If using, stir in frozen corn during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Pasta absorbs a lot of liquid. If you plan on having leftovers, the soup will thicken considerably. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of extra beef broth to return it to the desired consistency.

A one-pot dinner the kids will love! Save this recipe now.

6. Deconstructed Quick Lasagna Soup

Capture all the cheesy, Italian-inspired flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time with this creative and delicious soup. Broken lasagna noodles swim in a savory tomato broth with ground beef, all topped with a creamy dollop of ricotta cheese.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 6 cups chicken or beef broth, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces), salt and pepper. For topping: ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot. Add garlic and cook for one minute more. Drain fat.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the soup to a boil.
3. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Pro-Tip: For the ultimate cheesy experience, mix the ricotta with a little Parmesan, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before topping the soup. The contrast of the hot, savory soup with the cool, creamy ricotta is what makes this recipe special.

Love lasagna? Pin this easy soup version for dinner this week!

7. Healthy Ground Beef & Veggie Soup (Low-Carb Option)

This is a nutritious, low-carb soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s packed with lean ground beef and non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans, making it a perfect keto-friendly and healthy meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 1 green bell pepper (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 6 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 cup chopped zucchini, 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut), 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper.
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef, onion, celery, and bell pepper in a large pot until beef is cooked and veggies are soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain fat.
2. Pour in the beef broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the thyme.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to let flavors combine.
4. Add zucchini and green beans and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
5. Season well with salt and pepper before serving.

Pro-Tip: To make this even more keto-friendly, you can swap the zucchini for chopped cauliflower. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that elevates this simple soup without adding carbs.

Eating healthy never looked so good! Pin this low-carb recipe.

8. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Beef & Barley Soup

This thick, hearty, and nostalgic soup is pure comfort in a bowl, reminiscent of slow-simmered meals from childhood. Chewy pearl barley, root vegetables, and ground beef create a deeply satisfying and warming dish.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 8 cups beef broth, 2/3 cup pearl barley (rinsed), 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme.
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with onion, carrots, and celery until beef is cooked through. Drain fat.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add beef broth, rinsed barley, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the barley is tender and chewy.
5. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving, as it will thicken slightly.

Lesson Learned: Barley acts as a natural thickener. Be aware that it will soak up a significant amount of broth as it cooks and sits. This soup is even better the next day, but you’ll likely need to add more broth when reheating.

Get a taste of nostalgia! Save this classic beef and barley recipe.

9. Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup

The ultimate “dump-and-go” slow cooker recipe, this cowboy soup is incredibly hearty, loaded with ground beef, two kinds of beans, corn, and potatoes. It’s a thick, stew-like meal that’s perfect for a busy day.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained), 1 onion (chopped), 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained), 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 2 large potatoes (diced), 4 cups beef broth, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix.
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Add the cooked beef and onion to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Top with the rinsed beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and diced potatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and ranch seasoning mix. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Stir everything to combine.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Pro-Tip: Browning the beef is a crucial step for flavor, so don’t skip it! This soup is meant to be thick and stew-like. Serve it with cornbread for an authentic cowboy-style meal.

Let your slow cooker do the work! Pin this easy Cowboy Soup.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Ground Beef Soups

Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose the perfect soup for your mood.

For a Classic Meal: Make the Hamburger Vegetable Soup. It’s hearty, traditional, and uses pantry staples.
For Cheesy Indulgence: The Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is your go-to. It’s rich, decadent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For a Quick & Flavorful Dinner: One-Pot Taco Soup is ready in about 30 minutes and packed with zesty flavor.
For a Healthy Option: The Ground Beef & Veggie Soup is low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with nutrients.
For Set-It-and-Forget-It Ease: The Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup is the ultimate dump-and-go meal for a busy day.

Final Thoughts

With these recipes, a comforting, delicious, and easy meal is always within reach with a simple package of ground beef. You can break free from the dinner rut and bring new, exciting flavors to your family’s table without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bowl is a promise of warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.

Which of these ground beef soups are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

9 Best Ground Beef Soup Recipes for Easy Comfort

9 Best Ground beef Soup Recipes for Easy Comfort (Updated for 2025)