Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Coziest Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Hearty vegetable beef soup warms both body and soul on chilly evenings.

Rich flavors mingle together, creating a comforting blend of tender meat and garden-fresh ingredients.

Savory aromas fill the kitchen, promising a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Our simple recipe brings traditional comfort with modern cooking techniques.

Perfectly balanced ingredients make this soup a go-to meal for nutrition and pleasure.

Chunks of beef and colorful vegetables turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to ladle this delicious soup into bowls and savor every delightful spoonful.

FAQs

  • What type of beef works best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal as they become tender during slow cooking and add rich flavor to the soup.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The recipe combines protein from beef, complex carbohydrates from vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables.

  • How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add a cup of barley or small pasta during the last 20 minutes of cooking to increase the soup’s substance and texture.

Why Vegetable Beef Soup Is a Favorite

  • Boost Family Comfort: A hearty, nutritious soup that brings everyone together around the dinner table with rich, satisfying flavors.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: One-pot cooking method reduces kitchen cleanup and allows easy ingredient combination without complex techniques.
  • Customize Easily: Flexible recipe welcomes vegetable variations, making it perfect for using seasonal produce or clearing out your refrigerator.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from beef, multiple vegetables providing essential vitamins, and balanced nutrients for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup

Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Green Beans, Corn: Provide texture, nutrition, and a variety of vegetable flavors to the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and slightly acidic base to enhance the overall taste.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.
Liquids and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a light, smooth cooking base.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.

Step-by-Step Vegetable Beef Soup Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Brown the beef in a hot pot with olive oil until it develops a rich, golden crust on all sides.

Transfer the meat to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Aromatics Awakening

In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they release their fragrant, mouth-watering aroma and become translucent.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

  • Beef
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Thyme
  • Parsley

Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the broth and tomatoes.

Sprinkle in the herbs and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Gentle Simmering

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Vegetable Medley

  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Green beans

Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables become tender and soft.

Step 6: Final Touches

  • Corn (optional)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir in corn if desired, and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the final flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Tips for Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Sear meat at high heat to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior for maximum taste.
  • Add root vegetables like potatoes and carrots later to prevent overcooking and maintain their perfect texture and nutrients.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and allow you to season gradually for a more balanced flavor profile.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, as the soup's flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious.
  • Replace beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while keeping the soup's comforting essence intact.

Flavor Variations for Beef Soup

  • Gluten-Free Hearty Soup: Replace regular beef broth with gluten-free beef broth and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce total carrot quantity to minimize carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute beef with plant-based protein like lentils or tofu cubes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Brown meat first, then transfer all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, rich flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with freshly baked crusty bread for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
  • Rustic Comfort Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust flavors.
  • Winter Warming Combo: Top the soup with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs for an extra layer of deliciousness.
  • Family Style Feast: Ladle the soup into large bowls and set out additional seasonings like hot sauce or cracked black pepper for personalized taste.

Best Storage Practices for Beef Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to ensure even heating.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

Description

Hearty vegetable beef soup combines tender meat and garden-fresh vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a nourishing meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

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

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 0.5 cup corn kernels (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the beef chunks in a hot pot with olive oil until golden brown on all exterior surfaces, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  2. In the identical pot, gently sweat onions and minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors.
  3. Reintroduce the browned beef into the pot, combining with robust beef broth, tangy diced tomatoes, earthy thyme, and fresh parsley. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil.
  4. Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to meld together for approximately 30 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
  5. Incorporate hearty diced potatoes, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and tender green beans into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 20-25 minutes until vegetables reach a perfect al dente consistency.
  6. If desired, fold in golden corn kernels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile. Allow soup to simmer an additional 5 minutes for final flavor integration.
  7. Ladle the steaming, robust soup into warm bowls, presenting a comforting meal that showcases a harmonious blend of meat and vegetable textures.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat from beef to reduce greasiness and enhance soup’s clean flavor profile.
  • Select chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich, deep meat flavor that melts beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible to elevate the soup’s aromatic complexity and brighten overall taste.
  • Customize vegetable quantities based on personal preference, swapping ingredients like replacing green beans with peas or adding zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 198 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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