Nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of hearty vegetable beef soup. This classic comfort food combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth to create a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly night or looking for a nutritious one-pot meal, this soup is easy to make and perfect for the whole family.
With savory chunks of beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and a medley of colorful veggies, this recipe is a delicious and wholesome dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the best homemade vegetable beef soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
- Rich and Flavorful – A slow-simmered broth with juicy beef and aromatic seasonings.
- Loaded with Nutritious Vegetables – Packed with carrots, potatoes, peas, and green beans.
- Filling and Satisfying – A high-protein, fiber-rich meal that keeps you full.
- One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
Ingredients for Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious homemade beef soup:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Beef stew meat, diced into small chunks | 2 lbs |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Yellow onion, chopped | ½ cup |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 medium |
| Celery, sliced | 2 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 2 tsp |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Italian seasoning | 1½ tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Beef broth | 7 cups |
| Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed | 2 large |
| Frozen corn | ½ cup |
| Frozen peas | ½ cup |
| Frozen green beans, chopped | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tsp |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
1. Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
5. Add the Potatoes and Frozen Vegetables
- Stir in the chopped potatoes and cook for 20 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the frozen corn, peas, and green beans, cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
- With Crusty Bread – A slice of warm, buttered bread pairs perfectly with this soup.
- Over Rice or Noodles – Add cooked rice or egg noodles to make it even heartier.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Topped with Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds extra depth.
Health Benefits of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
1. High in Protein and Iron
- Beef provides essential protein and iron, which are important for muscle growth and energy.
2. Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
- Carrots, tomatoes, and parsley are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function.
3. Supports Digestion and Gut Health
- Celery and potatoes provide fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
4. Great for Heart Health
- Olive oil and vegetables contain heart-healthy nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.
Expert Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
- Chuck roast or stew meat is best for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and flavorful.
2. Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
- Browning the meat locks in juices and creates a deeper flavor.
3. Let the Soup Simmer for Better Taste
- A longer cooking time enhances the broth and tenderizes the beef.
4. Make It Ahead for a More Flavorful Soup
- Soups taste better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.
5. Use Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost
- Fresh parsley, thyme, or basil can elevate the soup’s taste.
Delicious Variations of Vegetable Beef Soup
1. Spicy Southwest Beef Soup 🌶️
- Add cumin, chili powder, and black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
2. Low-Carb Beef Soup 🥦
- Swap potatoes for cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
3. Italian-Style Beef Soup 🇮🇹
- Stir in cannellini beans, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup 🍲
- Cook on low for 8 hours for a tender, rich soup.
5. Mediterranean Beef Soup 🌿
- Add olives, lemon juice, and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing for Later
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
3. Best Ways to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes! Brown ground beef before adding vegetables.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
4. How do I thicken the broth?
Mash a few potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.
5. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This hearty vegetable beef soup is a timeless, comforting dish that’s packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this soup will always be a satisfying choice.
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Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup: A Comforting Classic 🍲✨
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty vegetable beef soup is the perfect comfort food, loaded with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this classic soup is guaranteed to warm you up and keep you full!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, diced
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 cups beef broth
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen green beans, chopped
- 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
5. Add the Potatoes and Frozen Vegetables
- Stir in the chopped potatoes and cook for 20 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the frozen corn, peas, and green beans, cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- For a low-carb version, replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American