One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty, herb-infused soup with ground beef and seasonal veggies, ready in 35 minutes for quick Whole30 satisfaction. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, zucchini, bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium diced zucchini, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup with Thyme?

American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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