Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Coziest Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort during chilly evenings, warming you from the inside out.

Savory meat and garden-fresh vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with colorful carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich, aromatic broth.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this classic dish.

Nutritious ingredients combine to craft a meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup promises a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s uncover the magic of this soul-soothing recipe that turns simple ingredients into a masterpiece.

What Makes Vegetable Beef Soup Stand Out

  • Savor Hearty Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich beef and a colorful array of vegetables, this soup delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in every spoonful, supporting your health and satisfying hunger.
  • Simplify Meal Preparation: One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master, making dinner time stress-free and enjoyable.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, soul-warming meal that reminds you of home-cooked goodness, this soup brings comfort and nostalgia to your table.
  • Versatile Family Pleaser: Adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, you can easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love.

Vegetable Beef Soup Ingredients List

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides substance and richness to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that build a deep flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Classic soup vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and heartiness.
  • Green Beans, Corn: Additional vegetables that contribute color, sweetness, and nutritional value.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and helps create a robust soup base.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, complex flavor to the broth.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing beef and sautĂ©ing vegetables.
  • Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base of the soup and adds depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Vegetable Beef Soup Preparation

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the beef until it develops a golden-brown crust on all sides.

Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they release their fragrant aroma.

Add the following vegetables and cook until they begin to soften:
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Potatoes

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green beans
  • Corn
  • Beef broth

Step 4: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in the herbs and seasonings:
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

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

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Choose lean ground beef or stew meat for a more tender and flavorful soup base.
  • Enhance the soup's richness by deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after searing the beef.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free beef broth and serving with gluten-free crackers or bread.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added vitamins and color.

Flavor Swaps for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace beef with plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, replace regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips, reduce corn quantity, focus on protein and low-carb vegetables.

Perfect Matches for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Hearty Winter Comfort Bowl: Ladle this rich soup into deep ceramic bowls, pair with a thick slice of warm sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up those delicious broth flavors.
  • Rustic Family Meal Style: Serve in large cast-iron skillets placed directly on the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion with chunky wooden spoons for a cozy, communal dining experience.
  • Protein-Packed Lunch Solution: Pack in a sealed thermos for a warm, nutritious midday meal at work or school, keeping vegetables and beef tender and broth steaming hot until lunchtime.
  • Elegant Starter Course: Serve in smaller portion sizes using white porcelain ramekins, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a small dollop of sour cream for a refined presentation at dinner parties.

Storing Vegetable Beef Soup Safely

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing the container.
  • Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion.
  • When freezing, label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, turkey, or even make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein like tofu or additional beans.

  • Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, lean protein, and contains no processed ingredients. The combination provides essential vitamins, minerals, and balanced nutrition.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.

  • How can I make the soup more filling?

Add extra protein like beans, lentils, or increase the meat quantity. You can also serve it with a side of hearty bread or rice to make it more substantial.

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Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich and hearty vegetable beef soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly days. Tender beef, seasonal vegetables, and savory broth combine to create a nourishing meal you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef stew meat, cut into small pieces

Vegetables:

  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown seasoned beef chunks in heated olive oil over medium-high heat until a rich golden crust forms on all surfaces, then transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing their intense flavors.
  3. Add chopped carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes, stirring and cooking for approximately 4 minutes to develop their natural sweetness and soften slightly.
  4. Reintroduce the seared beef into the vegetable mixture, creating a robust base for the soup.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, fresh green beans, sweet corn kernels, and rich beef broth, creating a colorful and hearty liquid foundation.
  6. Sprinkle dried thyme, chopped parsley, and a bay leaf into the pot, then season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  7. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, covering the pot to trap steam and flavors.
  8. Simmer gently for 50-55 minutes, allowing the beef to become meltingly tender and vegetables to absorb the savory broth completely.
  9. Taste and fine-tune seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed for a perfectly balanced taste.
  10. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Opt for lean beef cuts like chuck or round to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for increased vitamins.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free broth and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Transform the soup into a one-pot meal by adding barley or quinoa for extra protein and hearty texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 195 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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