If you’re craving a cozy, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. It’s loaded with tender beef, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs that come together into a rich and comforting stew that’s perfect for any day you want something hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory beefiness and vibrant vegetable goodness, making it ideal for family dinners or a friendly gathering around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious vegetable beef soup. Each component enhances the dish, adding layers of texture, color, and mouthwatering taste that make every spoonful satisfying.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for browning the beef and softening the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Beef stew meat: Cubed for tenderness, this is the hearty heart of the soup, packed with robust flavor.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, creating a savory foundation for the entire soup.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates every bite without overpowering.
- Beef broth: The rich liquid that infuses the soup with deep meaty notes.
- Water: Helps balance the broth, ensuring the soup is just the right consistency.
- Carrots: Offer sweetness and a pleasant crunch, brightening up the bowl visually and taste-wise.
- Celery: Gives a subtle savory flavor and adds texture to the mix.
- Potatoes: Contribute creaminess and bulk that make the soup truly satisfying.
- Green beans: Bring a fresh snap that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef.
- Corn kernels: Add bursts of natural sweetness and pop of color.
- Peas: Tender and slightly sweet, they round out the vegetable medley perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Offer acidity and vibrant flavor, tying the soup together beautifully.
- Dried thyme: Provides a warm, earthy herbaceous note.
- Dried basil: Adds a subtle hint of peppery sweetness to balance the herbs.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a delicate depth that you’ll notice once it’s removed before serving.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural goodness.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides; this caramelization locks in flavors and creates a rich base for your soup. It usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes, and you’ll want to resist stirring too much so the beef can sear properly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once your beef is beautifully browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step builds a savory aroma that sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth and water, carefully scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom because that’s where the magic hides. Then, add all your chopped vegetables: carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, plus the diced tomatoes with their juices.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together to meld the flavors. Bring your soup to a bubbling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, until the beef is tender and your vegetables are cooked to perfection.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give your soup a taste. Adjust with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. This final seasoning really elevates the whole dish and brings out the best of all those wonderful ingredients.
How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shaved parmesan flakes can add a fresh, bright contrast to the rich soup. A little cracked black pepper on top also enhances the aroma and flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
Thick slices of crusty bread or some warm dinner rolls are perfect companions for this soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up every tasty drop. A green side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the hearty nature of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. For a fun twist, ladle it into bread bowls for a meal that feels extra special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This vegetable beef soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and freshness so you’ll have a ready-made comforting meal whenever you want.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months without losing any of its delicious hearty goodness. Just cool it completely then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. It’s just as comforting and flavorful the next day as it is fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef cooks faster and will still give you that rich, beefy flavor. Just brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding the vegetables and liquids.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.
What can I add if I want it spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while simmering. It will add a lovely warmth without overpowering the classic flavors.
How thick should the soup be?
It’s best to keep the soup on the thinner side so you get a good balance between broth and chunky veggies. However, if you like it thicker, simply reduce the amount of water or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade soup that nurtures both body and soul, and this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe does exactly that. From its rich, tender beef to its vibrant garden-fresh vegetables and comforting herbs, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you enjoy every nourishing, flavorful spoonful as much as I do!
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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and wholesome Vegetable Beef Soup made with tender beef stew meat and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth. This gluten-free American classic is perfect for warming up on chilly days, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes, ensuring a rich color for deep flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf until well combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for stew meat to reduce cooking time.
- Add extra beef broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
