If you are craving something hearty, nourishing, and bursting with flavor, look no further than The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This soup is a delightful medley of tender beef chunks, fresh garden vegetables, and rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply need a comforting meal, this recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly satisfying bowl that feels like a loving hug in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to build layers of taste and texture in your soup. Each item has a role, whether it’s boosting richness, adding a burst of freshness, or enhancing the dish with aromatic herbs that tie everything together beautifully.
- 1 lb beef stew meat: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps in browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics for depth of flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, pungent character that elevates the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The rich, meaty liquid foundation that infuses the entire soup.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Impart subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 potatoes, diced: Provide heartiness and a creamy texture.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: Add a fresh, slightly crisp element.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Brings a pop of sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned): Enhance the color and add gentle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a fragrant, earthy herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds depth and a mild peppery flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle complexity as the soup simmers.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
How to Make The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your beef stew meat in a single layer and let it brown beautifully on all sides. This step caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars and builds an incredible base flavor for the entire soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside so you can use the same pot to build even more flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent. This gentle cooking process releases their aromatic oils, infusing the soup with a rich, savory essence you just can’t skip.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Return the Beef
Next, pour in the beef broth along with the can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Return the browned beef to the pot. This combination begins the melding of flavors, creating a robust, savory base that will soak into every tender piece of meat and vegetable.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add in the beautiful mix of carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. These vegetables not only bring vibrant colors but also add layers of taste and texture, making every spoonful a wonderful surprise. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes. This slow simmer is where the magic happens—meat softens, vegetables become tender, and the flavors harmonize beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, fish out the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. This final step ensures your soup is perfectly balanced. Serve it hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side to soak up that luscious broth.
How to Serve The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or a handful of shredded Parmesan cheese can instantly brighten and add a touch of elegance to your bowl. A swirl of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt also adds lovely creaminess and subtle tang if you want to get a bit adventurous.
Side Dishes
The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a crisp green salad. These sides help balance the hearty nature of the soup and round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in edible bread bowls or ladle it over cooked pasta or rice for extra substance. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano, elevating the look and aroma for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick, cozy dinner, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This ensures every spoonful remains as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used in a pinch, but stew meat gives you those satisfying chunks and a better texture for The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. If using ground beef, brown it thoroughly before continuing with the recipe.
What vegetables can I substitute if I don’t have some ingredients?
This soup is very versatile. Feel free to swap in vegetables like celery, zucchini, or even kale. Just keep in mind cooking times vary, so add delicate greens toward the end to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes! Packed with lean protein and a rainbow of veggies, it’s a nutrient-rich meal. Using fresh ingredients and minimal added fat helps keep it wholesome without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender and delicious.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
Simmer the beef gently for the full cooking time without rushing it. Avoid boiling vigorously as that can toughen the meat. Slow, steady heat is key to tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Final Thoughts
There is just something special about The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that makes it a lasting favorite—a perfect mix of comfort, nutrition, and flavor that feels like home with every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a truly satisfying homemade soup that’s perfect any time of year.
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The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup combines tender beef stew meat with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe balances savory herbs and wholesome ingredients to deliver a warm, nourishing meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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)
Seasonings
- 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 it on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, which helps build the base flavor of the soup.
- Add Liquids & Meat: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes into the pot. Return the browned beef pieces back into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, corn, and peas. Make sure all the vegetables are well incorporated in the broth.
- Season & Simmer: Add dried thyme, dried oregano, the bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes. This allows the beef and vegetables to cook until tender and flavors meld together.
- Final Touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve the soup warm, optionally paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables for convenience.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- To make the beef extra tender, simmer the soup longer if needed.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day when flavors have fully blended.
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth before serving.
