Vegetable Beef Soup

Introduction

Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting classic that combines tender beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This warm and nourishing soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a wholesome, homemade meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, it’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.

I remember making this soup on a snowy weekend, and the smell alone made everyone in the house feel cozy. What’s wonderful about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, from carrots and celery to potatoes, green beans, or even corn. Each bite is a perfect blend of savory beef, tender veggies, and a rich, seasoned broth that warms you from the inside out.

It’s also a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with crusty bread or a side of biscuits to soak up the delicious broth, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or making a big batch to freeze for later, this Vegetable Beef Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Perfect for:

• Cozy winter dinners
• Meal prep for the week
• A filling and healthy one-pot meal
• Using up fresh or frozen vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup

Here’s why Vegetable Beef Soup is a go-to recipe:

• Rich and Flavorful: A slow-cooked broth filled with savory beef and herbs makes this soup irresistible.
• Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and lean beef, this soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: You can easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day and freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Vegetable Beef Soup:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck or Stew Meat: Known for its rich flavor, beef chuck becomes tender and flavorful when simmered.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans add texture and nutrients to the soup.
• Beef Broth: Provides a savory and hearty base for the soup.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf enhance the overall flavor with aromatic notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Vegetable Beef Soup:

Prepare the Beef:

1. Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simmer the Soup:

5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the corn and peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serve:

8. Season and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.

How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup is versatile and pairs well with:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm slice of bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked rice or egg noodles.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Crackers: Top your soup with crushed saltine crackers for added texture.

Additional Tips for Vegetable Beef Soup

Here are some tips to perfect your Vegetable Beef Soup:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary towards the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in your pot before adding the other ingredients. This enhances the flavor and creates a delicious base for your soup.
• Build the Broth: If you have time, simmer beef bones with onions, garlic, and celery to create a rich homemade stock for your soup.
• Season in Layers: Season the beef, vegetables, and broth at different stages of cooking to ensure a well-rounded flavor.
• Add Acid for Balance: A splash of vinegar, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce at the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors.
• Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a slurry made from cornstarch or flour mixed with water.
• Customize Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand, such as zucchini, green beans, or kale, to make it your own.
• Cook Grains Separately: If you’re adding pasta, rice, or barley, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. The flavors meld together better as it sits.
• Store for Later: Vegetable beef soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.

Recipe Variations for Vegetable Beef Soup

Try these 10 variations to customize your Vegetable Beef Soup:

1. Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a kick.
2. Italian-Style Beef Soup: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste and some Italian seasoning.
3. Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
4. Barley Beef Soup: Add ½ cup of barley to the soup for extra texture and heartiness.
5. Creamy Vegetable Beef Soup: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy version.
6. Gluten-Free: Ensure broth is gluten-free and replace noodles with gluten-free alternatives if added.
7. Mexican-Inspired Beef Soup: Add cumin, paprika, and a splash of lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips.
8. Slow Cooker Beef Soup: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
9. Instant Pot Beef Soup: Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook for 20 minutes.
10. Herb-Infused Soup: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for added aroma.

Freezing and Storage for Vegetable Beef Soup

• Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Vegetable Beef Soup

Here are some tools to help with making Vegetable Beef Soup:

• Large stockpot – For cooking the soup in a single pot.
• Dutch oven – A heavy-duty option for even cooking and flavor development.
• Chef’s knife – For chopping vegetables and trimming beef.
• Cutting board – A sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon – For stirring the soup without damaging the pot.
• Ladle – To serve the soup easily.
• Fine mesh strainer – To skim impurities or strain broth if necessary.
• Immersion blender – For blending a portion of the soup for a thicker texture (optional).
• Kitchen scale – To measure beef or vegetables for precise portions.
• Meat thermometer – To check the doneness of the beef, if using larger chunks.
• .

Frequently Asked Questions for Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
   Yes, ground beef works well. Brown it first, then proceed with the recipe.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, omit the beef and use vegetable broth. You can add beans or lentils for protein.
3. How do I thicken the soup?
   Mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
4. Can I add pasta to the soup?
   Yes, add small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be added directly to the soup during cooking.

Print

Conclusion

Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to your table with every bite. Packed with tender beef, a medley of nutritious vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is as satisfying as it is wholesome. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from chilly evenings to family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it fresh or savoring it as leftovers, this soup is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will look forward to.

I’d love to see how your Vegetable Beef Soup turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!