If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This soul-satisfying soup brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth in a bowl that tastes like a big, cozy hug. Ideal for chilly evenings or any time you want a fulfilling meal packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe is a timeless classic made easy. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll love how approachable and rewarding this one-pot wonder is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to building the deep, rich flavor and satisfying texture of The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role — from the tender beef that delivers hearty protein to the colorful veggies that add crunch, sweetness, and earthiness.
- 1 lb beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect tenderness and flavor soaking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle punch of savory warmth.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the rich and flavorful base of the soup.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds color, slight sweetness, and a tender bite.
- 2 potatoes, diced: Provide earthy body and make the soup extra filling.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: For a fresh, crisp vegetable texture.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Imparts a juicy pop of sweetness.
- 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned): Adds vibrant color and delicate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbal note to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- 1 bay leaf: Enhances the overall aroma during simmering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all elements together.
How to Make The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your beef stew meat and brown it on all sides until it develops a nice crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because browning seals in the juices and creates the rich base flavor that will carry through the soup. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them in the beef drippings for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful fragrant aromas. This little step layers in more depth, balancing the meaty notes with subtle sweetness and garlicky warmth.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Meat
Next, pour in the beef broth along with the entire can of diced tomatoes, undrained, to bring acidity and a slight tang. Return the browned beef pieces to the pot. This combination starts to build the hearty, rich soup base you’re craving.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. These vibrant vegetables not only add color and texture but fill your soup with nutrition and fresh flavors. Each spoonful will have a wonderful balance of tender meat and satisfying vegetable bites.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to add the dried thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer softens the beef and vegetables perfectly while allowing the flavors to meld into an irresistible comforting blend.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, fish out and discard the bay leaf. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful aroma and rich color of your soup. Ladle it warm into bowls and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that feels like it was made with heart and care.
How to Serve The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is that simple garnishes elevate it wonderfully. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan adds freshness and a hint of sharpness. For an extra cozy touch, add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving to create a rich mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
Serve your vegetable beef soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast, and some roasted root vegetables or a baked potato make the meal even heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls that double as edible containers. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs or wide-rimmed bowls to showcase all the colorful vegetables and tender meat, turning every serving into a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool the soup before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months, and be sure to leave some room for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to maintain the soup’s texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef cooks faster and will still deliver great flavor, but keep in mind the texture will be different—less chunky and more like a thick stew. Brown it well and adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work in a pinch. Just know that beef broth provides a richer, deeper flavor that’s signature to this soup. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added umami.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the beef and beef broth, and use vegetable broth with hearty beans like lentils or kidney beans for protein. Add extra vegetables and adjust seasonings to compensate for the missing meat richness.
How do I know when the beef is tender enough?
After simmering for 45 to 60 minutes, test a piece by cutting into it or tasting it. It should be fork-tender and juicy, not chewy or tough. If not quite there yet, continue simmering and check every 10 minutes until perfect.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! 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. Add quick-cooking veggies like peas and corn in the last hour to keep their brightness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to cozy up with a bowl that feels like a warm embrace, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that satisfies both the body and soul. Once you make it, this recipe will surely become a dependable favorite in your kitchen—classic comfort food done just right.
Print
The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting Vegetable Beef Soup combines tender beef stew meat with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in flavorful beef broth and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is packed with nutrients and rich flavors that warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to develop flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, infusing the base of the soup with flavor.
- Add Liquids & Meat: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Return the browned beef back to the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, corn, and peas, distributing the vegetables evenly within the soup.
- Season & Simmer: Add dried thyme, dried oregano, a bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, ideally with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute other vegetables such as celery or zucchini based on preference.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stove.
- Using fresh herbs instead of dried will enhance flavor but add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to preserve their taste.
- Adjust salt according to the sodium content of your beef broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
