Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: Hearty Homemade Comfort

Grandma’s secret old-fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe brings comfort straight from her cozy kitchen to yours.

Memories of childhood winters flood back with each warm, hearty spoonful.

Tender chunks of beef mingle perfectly with seasonal vegetables, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Slow-simmered ingredients release rich, complex flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs elevate this classic dish beyond simple sustenance.

Fragrant steam promises a delicious journey through traditional home cooking.

Ladle this soul-warming soup and savor every comforting bite.

Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Reasons To Try

• Speed Demon Cooking: Tackle this mouthwatering chicken recipe in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty garlic, tangy lemon, and aromatic spices, these chicken bites deliver an incredible taste experience that will make your taste buds dance.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple skillet method that transforms chicken from bland to grand using minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love these tender, juicy chicken bites that are seasoned just right and coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that everyone can enjoy.

Key Ingredients In Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Beef Stew Meat: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich, meaty taste and tender texture to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and savory flavor to the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that contribute natural sweetness and earthy undertones.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup.
• Green Beans, Corn, Peas: Colorful vegetables that provide extra nutrition and texture.
• Tomatoes: Adds acidity and rich, tangy flavor to the soup base.

• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, meaty liquid foundation for the soup.

• Bay Leaves: Imparts a subtle herbal flavor and aroma to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used to sear the meat and sauté the vegetables, adding a light flavor.

Cooking Instructions For Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef stew meat and cook until golden brown on all sides.

This process locks in delicious flavors and creates a rich base for the soup. Transfer the seared meat to a separate plate.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

The vegetables will release their natural sweetness and create a delightful foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the pot.

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Green beans
• Corn
• Peas
• Bay leaves

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and blend all the wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Remove the bay leaves to prevent any bitter taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting soup.

Helpful Tips For Vegetable Beef Soup

• Swap tough meat cuts for chuck roast to ensure maximum tenderness and rich flavor in your soup.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and allow home cooks to adjust seasoning perfectly.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation in every spoonful.
• Boost soup's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing flavors will deepen and improve overnight in the refrigerator.

Flavor Twists For Vegetable Beef Soup

• Garden Fresh Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for extra nutrition and color, creating a more vibrant and nutrient-packed soup experience.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to transform the traditional recipe into a bold, southwestern-style soup with a warming heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in oregano, thyme, and rosemary, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings rich, aromatic flavors.
• Hearty Barley Upgrade: Replace some potatoes with pearl barley to add a nutty texture and increase the soup's heartiness, making it more filling and satisfying.

Pairing Ideas For Vegetable Beef Soup

• Rustic Farmhouse Bread Pairing: Slice thick, crusty sourdough bread and toast with garlic butter. Serve alongside the soup for dipping and soaking up rich, savory broth. Perfect for adding extra texture and warmth to the meal.
• Hearty Winter Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic bowls. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for bright color. Add a small dollop of sour cream in the center for creamy richness that melts into the hot soup.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Transformation: Pack the soup in a thermos for a filling workday meal. Include small container of grated cheese to sprinkle on top just before eating. Pair with whole grain crackers for added crunch and nutrition.

Storage Advice For Vegetable Beef Soup

• Store the soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunch options throughout the week.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, breaking down nicely during the long simmering process.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and sauteing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.

• How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add barley or small pasta like ditalini during the last 30 minutes of cooking to boost the soup’s heartiness and provide extra texture and substance.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. The recipe combines protein from beef, multiple vegetables for vitamins and minerals, and provides a well-rounded meal with diverse nutrients in a single pot.

Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty old-fashioned vegetable beef soup brings comfort and warmth to family dinners. Robust beef, tender vegetables, and savory broth create a classic meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 12 lb beef stew meat or chuck roast, cubed
• 8 cups (1.9 L) beef broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, thoroughly searing beef stew meat until golden brown on each surface. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the identical pot to gently caramelize onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Reintroduce the browned meat into the vegetable mixture, then incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, cubed potatoes, sliced green beans, sweet corn kernels, tender peas, and aromatic bay leaves.
4. Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow soup to slowly develop flavors for approximately 1.5-2 hours, ensuring meat becomes exceptionally tender and vegetables soften completely.
5. After cooking duration, carefully season the soup with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Methodically extract bay leaves from the soup to prevent bitter undertones.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant herbaceous garnish before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting broth quantity, creating a thicker or thinner texture based on personal preference.
• Choose lean beef cuts like chuck or sirloin for a healthier protein option with less fat content.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick and convenient meals, maintaining flavor and texture up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg