Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Ultimate Cozy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort during chilly evenings with its rich, warming flavors.

Savory chunks of tender meat mingle perfectly with colorful garden vegetables.

Slow-cooked ingredients blend into a delightful melody of taste and texture.

Nutritious and satisfying, this classic dish promises a complete meal in one pot.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients create such deep, complex flavors.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected seasonings make this soup a true culinary experience.

Dive into a bowl that warms both body and soul.

Vegetable Beef Soup’s Hearty Flavors

  • Tackle Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps, this recipe offers straightforward preparation that anyone can master.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping in a single dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making family dinners a breeze.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just a few bowls and a baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Works great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, providing a hearty and satisfying option that impresses without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Ingredients For Vegetable Beef Soup

For the Meat:
  • Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic flavor base that provides depth and a savory foundation for the soup.
For the Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Beef Broth, Water: Provides the liquid base and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a slight tangy flavor to the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with initial browning and adds a subtle richness.
For the Herbs and Spices:
  • Thyme, Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile and bring warmth to the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn: Hearty vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and a variety of flavors to the soup.

Cooking Instructions For Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place beef pieces into the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides develop a rich, golden-brown color.

This step locks in amazing flavor and creates a delicious base for your soup.

Step 2: Soften the Veggie Base

Remove beef and set it aside temporarily.

In the same pot, toss in:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Saute these vegetables until they become soft and start to release their sweet, aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture.

Stir and cook for about one minute until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create the Soup Foundation

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Water
  • Diced tomatoes
Sprinkle in herbs and spices:
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 5: Simmer and Tenderize

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 45-60 minutes, allowing the beef to become wonderfully tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Hearty Vegetables

Introduce to the pot:
  • Potatoes
  • Green beans
  • Corn

Continue cooking for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve alongside warm, crusty bread for a comforting meal that warms the soul.

Helpful Hints For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the soup.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during browning to enhance the beef's rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and providing quick comfort food options.
  • Boost nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Variations For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Hearty Ranch Beef Soup: Replace thyme and oregano with ranch seasoning mix for a tangy, creamy flavor profile that kids and adults will love.
  • Spicy Southwest Beef Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version with extra kick.
  • Mediterranean Beef Stew: Incorporate fresh rosemary, diced zucchini, and a splash of red wine for a rich, Mediterranean-style soup with complex flavors.
  • Lean Green Vegetable Boost: Swap some beef with extra green vegetables like kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts for a nutrient-packed, lighter soup option.

Pairing Ideas For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm, inviting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Rustic Farmhouse Lunch Companion: Pair the soup with a thick slice of sourdough bread, allowing guests to dip and soak up the rich, flavorful broth for a satisfying midday meal.
  • Comfort Food Gathering Style: Serve in large cast-iron dutch ovens at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves to seconds with large serving spoons, creating a communal dining experience that feels like a homecooked hug.
  • Winter Wellness Meal Prep: Package individual portions in mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch option that keeps you warm and nourished during cold days, perfect for work or quick reheating at home.

Proper Storage For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and become more delicious overnight.
  • Allow soup to cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick during reheating.
  • Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. This method works great for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of beef for this soup?

Yes, you can use chuck roast, stew meat, or even ground beef. Each cut will provide a slightly different texture and flavor.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

  • How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra protein like beans or increase the amount of beef. You can also include additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.

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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable beef soup delivers comfort in a bowl, packed with tender meat and garden-fresh vegetables. Warm spices and rich broth create a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first spoonful to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
  • 2 cups (473 ml) water
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup (160 g) chopped carrots
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced potatoes
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) diced onions
  • 1 cup (100 g) green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 cup (164 g) corn kernels
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot at medium temperature, then sear meat until golden brown on all exterior surfaces.
  2. Transfer meat to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful browned bits in the pot.
  3. Utilize the same pot to gently sauté aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, and celery – until they become translucent and softened.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for 60 seconds to release its robust essence.
  5. Reintroduce browned meat into the vegetable mixture, then pour in broth, water, diced tomatoes, and season with herbs and spices.
  6. Elevate heat to create a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 50-55 minutes, allowing meat to become supremely tender.
  7. Incorporate chunky potatoes, crisp green beans, and sweet corn kernels during the final cooking phase.
  8. Simmer an additional 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.
  9. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
  10. Ladle steaming soup into deep bowls and accompany with crusty, rustic bread for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Choose lean cuts like chuck or sirloin for better texture and less fat in the soup.
  • Brown meat thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors that enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Consider using bone-in beef cuts for added richness and more complex meat flavor.
  • Swap fresh vegetables with frozen alternatives during off-season for consistent taste and convenience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 188 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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