Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup is a traditional dish made with beef, vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its comforting and filling nature. The recipe typically includes ingredients like beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and celery. This combination creates a flavorful, hearty soup that is perfect for chilly days. It is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal in one bowl.

The time needed to make Vegetable Beef Soup varies based on the cooking method. If you’re using a slow cooker, it may take around 6-8 hours on low heat. If cooking on the stove, it usually takes 1-1.5 hours. This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Making Vegetable Beef Soup is always a rewarding experience. The savory aroma fills the kitchen as the beef simmers, and the vegetables soften to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can adjust the ingredients based on what’s available or your preferences. Each time, it brings a cozy, homey feeling that is hard to beat. The soup always delivers a balanced flavor, with tender beef and the right amount of seasoning to satisfy the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love It Vegetable Beef Soup

• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Vegetable Beef Soup is a great way to get a variety of essential nutrients. Packed with vegetables and lean beef, it provides vitamins, minerals, and protein in every bowl. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal perfect for any season.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You can make it in just a few easy steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a quick, flavorful dish you’ll love to serve and enjoy.
• Customizable and Versatile: Vegetable Beef Soup is easy to customize based on your preferences. Add extra veggies, spice it up, or adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. It’s a flexible dish that can always be adapted to suit your cravings.

Ingredient Notes for Vegetable Beef Soup

• Beef stew meat: Tender and flavorful, beef stew meat adds a rich, hearty base to the soup. It’s usually cut into small cubes, perfect for slow cooking.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They soften as they cook, adding a mild, earthy flavor.
• Stalks of celery: Celery gives the soup a subtle crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery taste. It enhances the overall flavor profile with its mild bitterness.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add creaminess and texture. They absorb the broth’s flavors, making the soup more filling and satisfying.
• Onion: Onions are a must for building flavor. Their sweetness and slight tanginess balance the richness of the beef.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide acidity, helping to cut through the heaviness of the beef. They also add color and a slightly sweet taste.
• Beef broth: Beef broth is the base of the soup, offering a savory, meaty flavor. It helps to create a rich and flavorful broth that complements the vegetables.
• Water: Water dilutes the broth slightly, helping to balance the flavors. It ensures the soup has the perfect consistency.
• Garlic: Garlic brings depth and warmth. It enhances the flavor of the beef and vegetables, adding a savory note.
• Dried thyme: Thyme has a mild, earthy flavor that complements the beef and vegetables. It pairs well with other herbs in the soup.
• Dried oregano: Oregano offers a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor. It pairs well with thyme and adds an Italian touch to the soup.
• Bay leaf: Bay leaves add a subtle, slightly floral note that helps deepen the flavor of the soup. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Salt and pepper: These two basics are essential for seasoning. Salt enhances all the flavors, while pepper adds a gentle kick.
• Frozen peas: Peas add a pop of color and sweetness. They provide a soft texture and a fresh taste to balance the soup.
• Green beans: Green beans add a crisp texture and earthy flavor. They complement the potatoes and peas, rounding out the vegetable mix.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Vegetable Beef Soup

Making a delicious Vegetable Beef Soup is easier than you think. Start by using fresh, high-quality beef and vegetables to get the best flavor. Choose a mix of carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions for the base, and add garlic for extra depth. This simple step can elevate the taste of your soup.

To bring out rich flavors in your soup, brown the beef before adding the other ingredients. This step locks in juices and adds a savory depth. Remember to add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. Seasoning correctly enhances the taste of your vegetable beef soup.

Another great tip is to let your soup simmer for a longer time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors blend together. It’s important to cook on low heat to keep the vegetables tender and prevent the meat from becoming tough. Simmer for at least an hour for the best results.

Vegetable Beef Soup Variation

Feel free to make adjustments to the vegetable beef soup based on what you have available or personal preferences. Here are some variations:

• Swap out vegetables: Try adding peas, corn, or squash for variety. You can also switch the carrots for sweet potatoes for a different taste.
• Use different cuts of beef: While stew meat is traditional, you can use chuck roast, ground beef, or even leftover roast beef for a quicker version.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to give your soup a kick.
• Add beans: Adding kidney beans or chickpeas can make the soup even heartier and provide more protein.

How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup is a filling dish on its own, but you can serve it with some delicious sides for an even more satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

• Serve with bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or a side of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Add a salad: A simple side salad with leafy greens and a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the soup.
• Top with cheese: Grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of flavor when sprinkled on top of the soup.

Storage Options

Vegetable beef soup can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to store it properly:

• In the refrigerator: Let the soup cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until hot. If it’s too thick, add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.

FAQs About Vegetable Beef Soup

Can I use any beef for Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes, you can use different cuts of beef like stew meat or chuck roast for your vegetable beef soup. These cuts are ideal because they become tender and flavorful after simmering.

How long does it take to make Vegetable Beef Soup?
It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to make vegetable beef soup, depending on how long you simmer the beef. Cooking it slowly helps the flavors blend and the meat become tender.

Can I make Vegetable Beef Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the beef extra tender and the flavors richer.

Is Vegetable Beef Soup healthy?
Vegetable beef soup is a healthy option as it contains protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins from the vegetables. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup is a traditional dish made with beef,vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its comforting and filling nature. Therecipe typically includes ingredients like beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, andcelery. This combination creates a flavorful, hearty soup that is perfect forchilly days. It is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal in one bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef
• 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas optional
• 1 cup green beans optional

Equipment

• Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon

Method

 

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step will give your soup a rich, beefy flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Broth and Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender.
5. Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and canned tomatoes. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Add Optional Vegetables: If you're using peas or green beans, add them now and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Season: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like more herbs, feel free to add extra thyme or oregano.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!

Notes

This vegetable beef soup is incredibly versatile. You can add or remove vegetables based on what you have available, or even swap out the beef for chicken for a lighter version. The key is to make sure your vegetables are cooked to perfection and that the beef is tender and flavorful. If you like your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes before serving to give it a heartier consistency.