If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it has to be this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of beef mingling with vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. This soup is the perfect comfort food, packed with flavors and textures that make every spoonful satisfying and hearty. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just craving something wholesome and filling, this recipe is a delicious way to nourish your body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list of ingredients fool you — each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this soup so remarkable. From the savory beef to the fresh vegetables, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- Beef stew meat (1 pound): Good quality stew meat adds a rich, meaty foundation that’s tender when cooked low and slow.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to brown the beef, it brings out deep flavor and helps develop that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Medium onion (1, chopped): Provides a naturally sweet and savory base that elevates the entire soup.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that brightens the broth.
- Carrots (3, sliced): Infuse natural sweetness and a tender bite.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Offer a subtle earthy crunch and aromatic depth.
- Medium potatoes (2, diced): Give the soup heartiness and a comforting, creamy texture once cooked.
- Can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice): Adds acidity and natural brightness to balance the richness.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful, savory liquid base.
- Water (1 cup): Helps to adjust the consistency without overpowering taste.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Contributes a subtle herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds freshness and color.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses a gentle, aromatic depth during simmering.
- Frozen green beans or mixed vegetables (1 1/2 cups): Bring vibrant color and additional veggie goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the delicious flavors.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and let them brown on all sides for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step seals in the juices and creates flavorful caramelization, which is critical to building a rich soup base. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften and become fragrant for about 2 to 3 minutes. This simple step brings out sweetness and depth in your soup and ensures every bite has layers of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and canned tomatoes with their juice. Pour in the beef broth and water, then stir in the dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then lower it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 to 60 minutes, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked — the aroma by now will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Add Frozen Vegetables and Final Touches
Once the beef and main vegetables are tender, toss in the frozen green beans or your choice of mixed vegetables. Cook them for another 10 minutes to heat through but keep their vibrant color and slight crunch. Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Your warming bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup even more, offer garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick. These touches add freshness, richness, and an extra bit of personality to your serving bowl.
Side Dishes
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe stands tall on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light green salad brings the meal to another level. A side of warm cornbread or buttery dinner rolls can also complement the hearty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls or mason jars and serve with a sprig of fresh herb on top. You can even place the soup in bread bowls for an impressive crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or casual dinners that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.
Freezing
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe?
Yes! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking and tenderness, chuck roast or brisket cut into small pieces will work well, too. Just ensure the beef has enough marbling for flavor and moisture.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before simmering?
Browning the beef adds a fantastic depth of flavor and enhances the texture of the meat. Skipping this step will still produce a tasty soup but may lack some of the rich caramelized notes.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for the green beans or mixed veggies?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness to keep them tender-crisp.
Is this soup suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely. Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe freezes very well and reheats without losing its delicious flavor or texture. Just cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
How can I adjust the seasoning if I want the soup spicier?
To add heat, consider stirring in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or smoked paprika during the simmering phase or just before serving. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of soup that warms both your hands and heart. This Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe captures that feeling perfectly, delivering a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simple enough for any weeknight yet special enough to share with loved ones. So go ahead — gather your ingredients, embrace the cozy cooking process, and treat yourself to a soup that feels like home in every spoonful.
Print
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup combines tender chunks of beef stew meat with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this gluten-free American classic offers a comforting one-pot meal packed with nutrition and robust flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 1 pound beef stew meat (cut into small chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 2 medium potatoes (diced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen green beans or mixed vegetables
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, water, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in frozen green beans or mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika during simmering.
- This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for future meals.
