If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting bowl to warm your soul, look no further than the Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe. This dish is a beautiful marriage of savory ground beef and naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, all simmered together with fragrant herbs and vibrant vegetables. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a perfect balance of nutrition and texture, delivering a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this soup brings a delightful combination of bold flavors and satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet powerful ingredients is the secret behind this recipe’s rich and layered flavors. Each component plays an essential role, from boosting the color and texture to infusing every spoonful with warmth and depth.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the vegetables for that perfect base flavor.
- 1 medium onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup.
- 3 celery stalks: Bring crunch and a subtle earthiness to balance the savory notes.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this soup fulfilling and comforting.
- 28 oz diced tomatoes: Add juiciness and tang that brighten the broth.
- 1/2 cup tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor for a richer and deeper soup base.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a savory, flavorful liquid foundation for simmering the ingredients.
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and velvety texture that perfectly counterbalance the beef.
- 1 red pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that complements the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a lively, pungent aroma that elevates every bite.
- 2.5 tbsp dried basil: Offers a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note.
- 2.5 tbsp dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean edge with its earthy and slightly bitter undertones.
- 1 cup corn: Contributes bursts of sweetness and a fun, pleasant texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds warmth and a subtle kick.
How to Make Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, celery stalks, red pepper, and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince your garlic cloves finely. Having these prepped and ready creates a seamless cooking flow, ensuring each ingredient cooks evenly and releases their maximum flavor into the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step develops a savory base flavor and caramelization that lifts the whole dish. Drain any excess fat if desired to keep the soup lighter.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Into the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, red pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This is where your soup’s depth begins to build, with the vegetables softening and melding beautifully with the ground beef.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. These bring a robust tomato flavor and body to the soup, elevating the broth from simple to unforgettable. Cook everything together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Add Sweet Potatoes
Next, pour in the beef broth and add the sweet potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cooking the sweet potatoes in the broth until tender ensures they soak up all the savory goodness and add a luscious creaminess to the soup.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the soup simmer gently for around 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Finally, stir in the corn for the last 5 minutes to keep their sweet crunch intact.
How to Serve Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the soup. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add extra creaminess and luscious richness. These garnishes bring freshness and contrasting textures, making each spoonful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery cornbread. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also balances the meal by adding brightness and crunch. These sides round out the experience, making it both hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a slice of toasted garlic baguette on the side for dipping. For a fun twist, spoon the soup over cooked grains like quinoa or rice for extra texture and heft. Presentation is all about making your meal feel special, even on a casual night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal on a busy day, just pull out a container and thaw it overnight.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup to your preferred consistency. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this soup. Just keep an eye on cooking times since turkey cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
Are there any spice alternatives to basil and oregano?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can bring new flavors to the soup while maintaining its comforting vibe.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The sweet potatoes and vegetables still provide unparalleled heartiness and flavor.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
This soup is best enjoyed with a medium consistency—thick enough to feel substantial, but still with a good amount of broth to sip alongside. You can always adjust by adding more broth or letting it reduce to your liking.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely! The Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prepping since the flavors deepen over time, making each portion taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe—a recipe that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a soul-satisfying dish. Whether you’re new to making soups or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Best Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Soup combines savory ground beef with sweet potatoes and a medley of vegetables, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any season. Enriched with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasoned with basil and oregano, this soup offers a balanced blend of savory and sweet flavors that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Proteins and Liquids
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
Seasonings and Oils
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 tbsp dried basil
- 2.5 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables. Dice the onion, chop the celery stalks, peel and cube the sweet potatoes, dice the red pepper, mince the garlic, and have the corn kernels ready.
- Sauté Aromatics and Ground Beef. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Red Pepper, and Corn. Pour in the beef broth, add the cubed sweet potatoes, diced red pepper, and corn kernels. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs if available, but reduce quantities to 1 tbsp each as fresh herbs are more potent.
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes during cooking or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
