If you’re craving something heartwarming, packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, you need to try The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This one-pot wonder is a symphony of rich flavors and comforting textures that just hug you from the inside out. Perfectly browned beef meets a colorful medley of veggies simmered in savory broth, creating a classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you want a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this soup delivers all that and more with ease and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe means gathering some simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From tender beef pieces to fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, every component adds depth, color, and hearty texture to this unforgettable bowl of comfort.
- 1 lb beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy, tender bites after slow simmering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps brown the beef beautifully, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, savory base to build the soup’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic warmth that complements the beef.
- 4 cups beef broth: The hearty liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a tender bite when cooked.
- 2 potatoes, diced: Chunks provide satisfying heft and soak up all those delicious juices.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: A crisp, fresh vegetable that keeps the soup lively.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet kernels add bursts of flavor and color.
- 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned): These tender peas bring a pop of natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbaceous notes that complement the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness to round out the flavor profile.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the broth with a delicate depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
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 the bite-sized beef stew meat and let it brown on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step is critical because it locks in flavor and creates those savory browned bits that deepen the soup’s character. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot with the flavorful browned bits left behind, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This builds the aromatic base that makes every spoonful so comforting and layered with flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids & Meat
Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Then, return the browned beef to the pot. This combination starts to create a luscious broth that will meld with the vegetables and tenderize the meat as it simmers.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to add your colorful vegetables: carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. Each one offers a unique texture and burst of flavor that keeps the soup dynamic and satisfying. Give everything a good stir so the veggies are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Season & Simmer
Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows the vegetables to soak up all the savory goodness, creating a rich, comforting stew.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Give the soup a quick taste to adjust any salt or pepper if needed. Ladle this vibrant, hearty soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy true comfort in every spoonful.
How to Serve The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can make The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe shine even more. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan adds a savory, melting finish. For an extra cozy touch, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil on the surface complements the robust flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots that are perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add crunch and brightness alongside the rich soup. For something heartier, try serving with warm cornbread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo that always delights.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make your meal feel extra special, serve The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls. You can hollow out sourdough rounds to create an edible bowl that’s both charming and practical. Or, ladle the soup over cooked rice or noodles for a twist that transforms it into a filling main course. Either way, presentation can elevate this humble soup into a memorable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup tastes just as good, if not better, the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before placing it in the fridge, allow the soup to cool to room temperature to keep the texture and flavors intact.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe, warm it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen for even heating and to maintain the soup’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used for a quicker version of The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. Brown it thoroughly and follow the recipe steps afterward. Keep in mind the texture will be different but still delicious.
What can I substitute if I don’t have green beans?
Snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli florets make excellent substitutes for green beans, adding their own unique flavor and crunch to the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender for an effortless, hands-off meal.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free beef broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most gluten-sensitive diets.
How can I make this soup more spicy?
To add a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the seasoning step. This will give The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe a warming kick without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that turns any day into a cozy occasion. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple, nourishing, and brimming with love. I hope you give this recipe a go and make some delicious memories with it in your kitchen. Trust me, once you do, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!
Print
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
A hearty and flavorful vegetable beef soup combining tender browned beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and rich beef broth seasoned with thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Perfectly simmered to create a comforting meal that’s ideal for any season.
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
- 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 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened, which builds the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Liquids & Meat: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes into the pot. Return the browned beef to the mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, corn, and peas. These vegetables add texture, color, and nutrition to the soup.
- Season & Simmer: Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm, optionally with crusty bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh to save time.
- This soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a low sodium option, use low-sodium beef broth and limit added salt.
