Best Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Quick & Heartwarming Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Hearty vegetable beef soup emerges as a comforting classic that warms your soul on chilly days.

Robust chunks of tender meat blend perfectly with colorful garden vegetables.

Savory broth carries deep, rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Nutritious ingredients create a satisfying meal packed with wholesome goodness.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components merge into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through rustic, home-style cooking.

Dive into this recipe and let deliciousness guide your culinary adventure.

Vegetable Beef Soup That Warms The Soul

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from beef and an array of colorful vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Uses just one pot for minimal cleanup, allowing home cooks to create a hearty meal without complicated techniques or excessive kitchen tools.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like swapping vegetables, adjusting spices, or adding extra ingredients to match family preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Provides warm, satisfying nutrition perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or when craving a nostalgic, home-cooked meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients For Vegetable Beef Soup

Protein Base:
  • Beef Cubes: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These vegetables provide a deep, savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Peas: A colorful blend of vegetables that adds nutrition, texture, and sweetness to the soup.
Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the soup's base and enhances the overall taste.
Tomato Component:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic note to balance the soup's richness.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Thyme, Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A combination of herbs and spices that brings depth and complexity to the soup's flavor.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish.

How To Make Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place beef cubes into the pot and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich, golden crust.

Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma, creating a delicious foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Combine Beef and Liquid

Return the seared beef to the pot.

Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in a blend of dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Initial Simmering

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add Hearty Vegetables

Introduce a colorful mix of vegetables to the pot:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Diced potatoes
  • Green beans

Continue simmering for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables become perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Vegetable Touch

Stir in sweet corn and tender peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and blend the flavors.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting, nutritious meal.

Tips For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Choose lean beef cuts like chuck or sirloin for tender, flavorful meat that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace regular beef broth with gluten-free beef stock and check seasoning ingredients.
  • Enhance soup's richness by adding a splash of red wine during the initial beef browning stage for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, allowing convenient meal prep for busy weeks ahead.

Variations On Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Hearty Lamb Soup: Replace beef with tender lamb chunks for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired variation. Use rosemary instead of thyme for complementary flavors.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Stew: Swap beef with plant-based protein like lentils or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development and tender meat.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Remove potatoes and corn. Add extra low-carb vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower. Use bone broth for added nutrients and richness.

Serving Suggestions For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Pair this robust soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. Perfect for creating a comforting meal that fills hungry bellies.
  • Rustic Meal Enhancer: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top just before serving to add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the tender beef and vegetables.
  • Leftover Magic Transformer: Pack this soup in thermoses for school or work lunches, as the flavors develop and become even more delicious when reheated the next day. Stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Winter Wellness Bowl: Serve in large mugs or deep bowls during cold months as a nutritious, warming meal that provides excellent protein and vegetable nutrition for the entire family.

Proper Storage For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

  • Why should I brown the beef before adding broth?

Browning the beef creates a deeper, richer flavor through caramelization called the Maillard reaction. This technique helps develop complex taste and seals in the meat’s juices, making the soup more delicious.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly. They’re pre-cut, convenient, and retain similar nutritional value. Just add them slightly later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.

  • What type of beef is best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they’re flavorful, affordable, and become tender during slow cooking. These cuts have enough marbling to keep the meat juicy and add richness to the soup.

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Best Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Best Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with its robust blend of tender meat and seasonal vegetables. Nutritious ingredients and simple cooking techniques ensure a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef stew meat, cubed

Vegetables:

  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear beef cubes in a hot pot with olive oil until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  2. In the same pot, gently sweat onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Reintroduce the browned beef to the pot, then pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 30 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
  5. Incorporate carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 20-25 minutes until vegetables become fork-tender and absorb the rich broth.
  6. Introduce corn and peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking, ensuring they remain vibrant and retain their natural sweetness.
  7. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, balancing flavors with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Enhance meat tenderness by selecting chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking.
  • Transform into a low-carb version by replacing potatoes with cauliflower chunks and reducing total cooking time by 10 minutes.
  • Boost umami flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste during initial beef browning stage.
  • Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick meals, ensuring vegetables remain firm by slightly undercooking before freezing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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