There’s nothing better than a warm, cozy bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Beef & Rice Soup is as comforting as it gets. Made with savory ground beef, buttery leeks, tender rice, and a rich, herb-infused broth, this one-pot soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. A splash of white wine and Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while fresh spinach and dill bring a pop of freshness to balance the hearty flavors.

Whether you’re looking for an easy beef soup recipe, a hearty winter soup, or just a bowl of something warm and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s versatile—swap in your favorite greens, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or make it gluten-free. Finish it off with a dollop of sour cream for the perfect creamy touch!

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Quick & Easy: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Customizable: Whether you prefer different veggies, a richer broth, or extra spices, this soup can be easily adapted to suit your taste. You can also make it as spicy or mild as you like!
Leftovers for Days: This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for later.

Ingredient Notes:

Ground Beef: The star of this hearty soup, ground beef adds richness and flavor. It’s perfect for creating a comforting, nourishing base. You can use lean beef for a lighter option or go for a fattier cut for a more savory depth. This ingredient makes the soup a satisfying meal on its own.
Butter: Adds a touch of richness and a buttery smoothness to the soup. It helps cook the vegetables and enhances the savory flavors, contributing to that cozy, warming feeling in every bite.
Carrot: Sweet and tender, carrots balance out the richness of the beef and bring some natural sweetness to this one-pot soup. They also add a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing and nourishing.
Leeks: A milder alternative to onions, leeks add depth and subtle flavor to this homemade beef soup. They soften beautifully in the broth and contribute to the comforting, hearty base of the soup.
Garlic: A must-have for savory flavor. Garlic adds warmth and depth, enhancing the soup’s rich, satisfying taste. It also brings a bit of aromatic goodness to the broth.
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient deepens the flavor profile of the soup, providing umami and balancing out the richness of the beef. The savory notes of Worcestershire sauce complement the dish, making it a cozy comfort food favorite.
Dried Dill: Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that lightens up the rich broth. Dill’s aromatic qualities make it a perfect herb for this comforting, hearty soup.
White Wine: A splash of white wine gives the soup an elegant depth, balancing the richness of the beef and adding a subtle acidity that enhances the flavors of the broth.
Beef Broth: The base of this warming soup, beef broth adds a savory, rich flavor that pulls all the ingredients together. It’s perfect for creating a hearty, filling soup that’s great for winter nights.
White Rice: Tender rice soaks up all the delicious broth and adds a satisfying texture. It makes this easy beef and rice soup filling, perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brightens up this rich and savory soup, bringing some greenery and freshness that balances the depth of flavor. It’s a nourishing addition to this hearty soup recipe.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, bringing out the full depth of the flavors and ensuring that every bite is perfectly balanced.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy touch that brings a cool contrast to the warm, savory soup. It’s a comforting finishing touch for this easy soup with ground beef.

beef vegetable and rice winter soup recipe

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To Make Gluten-Free: Ensure the white rice is gluten-free or substitute for quinoa. Both options will keep this Beef and Rice Soup just as satisfying, nourishing, and cozy, while making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Quinoa adds a slightly nutty flavor and a protein boost, perfect for a hearty winter soup.
To Make Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil for a richer, slightly sweet twist. You can also skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream for that same creamy touch to balance the savory broth.
To Make Low-Carb: If you’re looking to reduce the carbs, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These substitutions will make the soup lighter while still being nourishing and satisfying.
To Make Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Both will provide a savory, earthy base that complements the rest of the ingredients, keeping the soup hearty and satisfying. Ensure the Worcestershire Sauce is anchovy free or substitute it with Soy Sauce. This will also work well for a cozy vegetarian soup for winter!
To Make Paleo: For a Paleo-friendly version, swap out the white rice with cauliflower rice or sweet potato. These substitutions keep the soup in line with Paleo guidelines while preserving its hearty, nourishing qualities.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

To Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. They’ll give it a warming kick that complements the savory flavors, making it even more comforting on a cold day.
To Make It Smoky: For a deeper, smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These will elevate the richness of the soup while adding a bit of smoky warmth that’s perfect for winter.
To Add Extra Veggies: You can easily add more veggies to this soup. Celery, parsnips, or potatoes are great additions that will add more texture and flavor. For a more veggie-forward soup, try adding broccoli or kale for extra nourishment and a pop of color.
To Make It Richer: If you’re craving a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking. This will give the broth a velvety texture and extra creaminess.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

For a Richer Broth: Use beef bone broth instead of regular beef broth for a deeper, more savory flavor. The marrow in the bones will add an extra layer of richness, making this soup even more satisfying and nourishing.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. If you want to avoid overcooking, add the rice a bit later in the cooking process, or cook it separately and stir it in at the end. This helps maintain the texture of the rice and ensures the soup stays nice and hearty.
Use a Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This easy beef and rice soup is a one-pot wonder, but make sure you’re using a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients. A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Make It Ahead: Like many soup recipes, this Beef and Rice Soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick, warming meal.
Topping Variations: While sour cream is a delicious finishing touch, you can also top the soup with shredded cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even crispy fried onions for a little crunch.
Add a Splash of Lemon: For a pop of brightness to balance the savory, rich flavors, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It adds a bit of acidity that can help round out the taste, making this soup feel even more refreshing.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning as you go! Depending on your broth and personal preference, you may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to taste. This will help you customize the flavors to be just right for you.

easy weeknight dinner soup recipe with beef

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