Comforting Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup 🥣🥩🌽

1. Introduction

Nothing beats the warm, hearty feeling of a homemade vegetable beef soup. This recipe, often called a hearty beef stew or a classic vegetable soup, is a timeless comfort food perfect for family dinners or meal-prep days. Loaded with tender beef chunks and a vibrant mix of vegetables, this Veggie Beef Soup offers a nourishing experience with every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking a cozy winter meal or a nutritious dish to warm you up, this vegetable beef soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

2. Ingredients Needed for This Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups beef broth or stock
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Vegetable Beef Soup

Preparing the Beef

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. This step helps develop rich flavors for your hearty beef stew.

Sautéing Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics serve as the flavorful base for your vegetable beef soup.

Add the Vegetables and Beef Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, add sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, canned diced tomatoes, and pour in the 6 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Seasoning and Simmering

Add dried thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. This slow simmer melds all flavors beautifully.

Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and serve hot.

4. Tips on Storing and Reheating Vegetable Beef Soup

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply simmer on the stovetop until warmed through or microwave in short bursts. This classic vegetable soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

5. Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Veggie Beef Soup

Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serve with a light side salad for added freshness.
Top with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple rice dish to expand the meal.

For more ideas on hearty comfort foods, check out our festive Christmas bread recipes.

6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This durable cookware set ensures even heating and makes preparing soups more efficient.
Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics: Ideal for quick reheats or preparing side dishes like roasted veggies.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Perfect for adding grilled vegetables as an accompaniment.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vegetable Beef Soup

Can I make this vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.

Can I substitute beef with chicken or plant-based protein?

Absolutely! Use shredded cooked chicken or plant-based protein crumbles as a substitute to make this soup suitable for different diets.

How long does it take to prepare this vegetable beef soup from start to finish?

It takes about 20 minutes to prep, with an additional 90 minutes to 2 hours of simmering for optimal flavor development.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this classic vegetable soup freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags.

What are suitable substitutions for fresh herbs if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?

Use dried Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence as alternatives for a similar flavor profile.

8. Conclusion

This comforting old fashioned vegetable beef soup is a nourishing and satisfying meal that can be prepared easily with simple ingredients. Whether you call it a hearty beef stew or a veggie beef soup, its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a favorite for any season. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping and leftovers, adding convenience to your busy week. Give this recipe a try and bring some warmth and comfort into your home today!

Comforting Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup