Italian Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect combination of hearty beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs in a savory tomato broth. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and packed with nutrients from a variety of colorful vegetables. This soup is ideal for chilly evenings, meal prep, or anytime you crave a satisfying one-pot meal.

The recipe balances tender beef with crisp-tender vegetables and a savory tomato-based broth infused with Italian herbs. Unlike heavier stews, this soup is light yet filling, perfect for those seeking comfort without being overly rich.

Families love this soup because it’s approachable, flexible, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Even picky eaters often enjoy it because the vegetables blend harmoniously with the seasoned beef and herbs.

Why This Soup Works

Tender ground beef combined with fresh vegetables for texture
Savory broth infused with Italian seasoning and garlic
Quick-cooking vegetables retain flavor and nutrients
One-pot preparation minimizes cleanup

This Italian-style soup brings together flavors reminiscent of a rustic Italian kitchen while remaining quick and easy enough for weeknight cooking.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5 minutes until onions are translucent and vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
Add Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Tips for Perfect Italian Vegetable Beef Soup

Brown beef well for maximum flavor
Don’t overcook vegetables; keep them slightly crisp for texture
Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced aroma
Freeze leftovers in portions for quick weeknight meals

Variations and Add-Ins

Vegetarian: Replace beef with kidney beans or lentils
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with garlic bread, a side salad, or Parmesan cheese on top. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a hearty lunch.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary to restore consistency.

Cultural Context

This soup blends classic Italian flavors with American convenience. It reflects the traditional use of vegetables, herbs, and meat in Italian cooking while adapting to modern, family-friendly weeknight meals.