If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a classic blend that brings together vibrant colors, robust flavors, and a satisfying texture. What’s wonderful about this soup is how it melds simple, wholesome ingredients into a bowl full of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness that never fails to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create deep, layered flavors. Each item is essential, from the hearty beef that forms the base to the medley of vegetables that add freshness and texture.
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed: Choose well-marbled meat for tender, juicy bites after slow simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and building a flavorful foundation.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic but crucial seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic boost to the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The heart of the soup’s rich and savory liquid base.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a touch of brightness.
- 2 large carrots, sliced: Sweet and slightly crunchy, they balance the savory elements.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides freshness and a slight herbal note.
- 1 large potato, diced: Thickens the broth naturally and adds comforting creaminess.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Offers a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts that make every spoonful delightful.
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen): Adds a tender pop and bright green contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, enhancing overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the broth with subtle depth and complexity.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your cubed beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until it develops a beautiful brown crust—that caramelization is key for building rich flavor in your soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen is filled with their inviting aroma and the onion turns translucent. This step awakens your soup’s base flavors and makes every bite delicious.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Toss in all your prepared vegetables—carrots, celery, potato, green beans, corn, and peas. Your pot should be a colorful, inviting mess of ingredients just waiting to simmer into something magical.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, oregano, and drop in the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, then adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it all simmer gently, covered, for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, remember to fish out the bay leaf. Give the soup one final taste to check seasoning. Ladle the Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe into bowls, and prepare to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few leaves of basil can add a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that complements the hearty broth. A dollop of sour cream or a shred of sharp cheddar cheese also works wonders for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough, perfect for sopping up the juices. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and keeps the meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at your next gathering, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, inviting look. You can also ladle the soup over a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes or cooked rice for a heartier entrée-style dish that will delight any soup lover.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect recipe to batch cook. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the heat. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this soup?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat provides classic flavor and texture, you can substitute with ground beef, diced chuck roast, or even stew lamb for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender.
What can I do if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
No worries! This soup is very flexible. Feel free to swap in whatever fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand like zucchini, parsnips, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary depending on the veggies you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cooking?
Yes, the Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe adapts perfectly to a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and replace beef with hearty beans like kidney or chickpeas. Add extra vegetables or mushrooms for depth of flavor and richness.
What is the best way to thicken this soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup ends up thinner than you prefer, a simple way to thicken it is to mash some of the diced potatoes directly in the pot with a spoon. Alternatively, stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and cold water, then simmer until thickened.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe soon. It’s a truly soul-warming dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and rich flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for your family or just treating yourself, this soup brings the kind of satisfaction that only a timeless classic can deliver. So grab your pot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to create a bowl of pure happiness.
Print
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting classic that combines tender, seared beef stew meat with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in rich beef broth and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a warming meal, this nourishing soup delivers a flavorful balance of herbs and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying homemade dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Liquids and Herbs
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the hot oil and sear it for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Ingredients and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including juice). Add sliced carrots, celery, diced potato, trimmed green beans, corn kernels, and peas to the pot.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the rich flavors and hearty textures.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes slightly before serving.
- Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh, but adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during seasoning.
