If you have been searching for a comforting and hearty one-pot meal to lift your spirits on chilly days, this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth, this soup delivers incredible flavor in every spoonful. The harmony of fresh carrots, potatoes, green beans, and peas, combined with the aromatic spices, creates a soul-warming dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress family and friends. Let’s explore how effortless it is to bring this classic soup to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to an unforgettable soup. Each element here plays a crucial role: beef for protein and depth, fresh vegetables for color and nutrients, and herbs to elevate the flavors.
- 1 lb beef stew meat: Perfectly sized bite-sized pieces add a satisfying, tender chew.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and softens the vegetables with a subtle richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Give sweetness and a bright orange pop to the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds a crisp texture and subtle earthiness.
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced: Create comforting creaminess as they soften.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Lend a fresh snap and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Add bursts of sweetness with every bite.
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen): Offer a tender pop and lovely hue.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice: Contributes tanginess and richness to the broth.
- 6 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation ensuring every spoonful is packed with taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses gentle herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of sweet aromatic warmth.
- 1 bay leaf: Brings a subtle, complex depth to the simmering soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Adding the beef stew meat and letting it brown on all sides is key. This caramelization locks in juices and creates a rich foundation of flavor that makes the soup truly satisfying. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to join the rest of the ingredients later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step releases the sweet and savory notes that start layering the soup’s flavor. It’s amazing how these simple ingredients can transform the soup base completely.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and the beef broth. Incorporate dried thyme, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for 45 minutes. This slow simmering allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Add Quick-Cooking Vegetables
After 45 minutes, add the corn kernels and peas to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until these vegetables are tender but still vibrant. This keeps their texture fresh and keeps the soup colorful and appealing. Finally, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste and remove the bay leaf before serving.
How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves adds an inviting freshness and a pop of green that complements the hearty soup. For an extra-special touch, a dollop of sour cream or a shaving of Parmesan cheese can add creamy richness that melts beautifully into the warm broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavorful broth. A crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel complete without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls—hollowed-out round loaves that hold the soup and add edible texture. You could also ladle the soup over a bed of cooked barley or wild rice, introducing even more heartiness and a delightful bite to every serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the flavors develop even more overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy later.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can refresh the consistency if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly and will cook faster, making your Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe ready in less time without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients except the corn and peas in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the corn and peas in the last 30 minutes.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions and complement the hearty broth beautifully.
What if I want a thicker soup?
For a thicker consistency, add a handful of barley or small pasta when you add the corn and peas. These ingredients absorb some broth and add a lovely heartiness to the soup.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a steaming bowl of homemade vegetable beef soup. This recipe offers both comfort and nourishment, with each ingredient working together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I hope you will enjoy making and sharing this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe as much as I do—it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
Print
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and seasoned with fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this American classic is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a wholesome combination of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors in every bowl.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Liquids
- 6 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, dried thyme, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Add remaining vegetables and continue cooking: After the initial simmer, add the corn kernels and peas to the soup. Stir well, cover again, and continue to simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Season and finish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy this comforting, nutrient-rich meal.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further, making it great for leftovers.
- You can substitute ground beef for stew meat to reduce cooking time.
- For added heartiness, try adding pasta or barley during the simmering phase.
- Leftover soup freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
