Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty soups never fail to warm the soul, especially when crafted with a classic old-fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe that whispers comfort in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich broth simmers with carefully selected ingredients, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Each ingredient tells a story of traditional cooking passed down through generations.

Robust and nutritious, this soup transforms simple elements into a spectacular dining experience.

Comfort awaits in this timeless recipe that will quickly become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Memories

• Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with hearty beef and colorful vegetables, this soup wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, delivering a classic home-cooked meal that feels like a hug.
• Simple Cooking Process: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious one-pot wonder.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from beef and a variety of vegetables, this soup offers a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients and satisfies hunger completely.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Versatile recipe that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, creating a meal everyone can enjoy together around the dinner table.

Must-Have Ingredients for Classic Beef Soup

• Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onions, Garlic: Classic soup vegetables that add depth, nutrition, and a comforting texture to the dish.
• Tomatoes, Green Beans, Corn: Colorful vegetables that contribute additional flavor and nutrients.

• Beef Broth: The flavorful liquid base that creates the soup's foundation.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic herbs that infuse a subtle, earthy flavor into the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

Classic Instructions for Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a hefty pot.

Drop in the beef chunks and let them dance and brown, creating a beautiful golden crust that locks in rich, meaty flavor.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and sauté until they release their tantalizing fragrance and turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot and nestle in a couple of bay leaves.

Let the mixture gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen for about an hour.

Step 4: Add Hearty Vegetables

• Cubed potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook until the vegetables become tender and start to absorb the savory broth.

Step 5: Boost the Vegetable Medley

• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh green beans
• Sweet corn kernels

Let everything bubble together for 15-20 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your personal preference.

Give the soup a final gentle stir.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve piping hot, ready to comfort and satisfy.

Key Tips for a Flavorful Vegetable Beef Soup

• Select chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for rich, tender flavor and maximum tenderness.
• Cut beef into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent meat texture throughout the soup.
• Add root vegetables like potatoes and carrots first, then softer vegetables like green beans and corn later to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect vegetable consistency.
• Deglaze pot with a splash of red wine after browning beef to capture caramelized bits and enhance overall soup complexity.
• Keep soup at low, gentle simmer to develop deep flavors and prevent meat from becoming tough or stringy.

Vegetable Beef Soup with Creative Mix-Ins

• Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender meat and deep flavor infusion.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace beef broth with certified gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat protein option that maintains rich soup texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute beef with plant-based protein like lentils or beans, use vegetable broth, and add extra root vegetables for hearty consistency.

Best Ways to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup

• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside thick slices of crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into deep ceramic bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor depth.
• Winter Meal Perfection: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing contrast to the robust beef and vegetable medley.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, as the flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious when reheated.

Vegetable Beef Soup Storing Made Easy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Move frozen soup to refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Never thaw at room temperature to avoid potential bacteria development.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if too thick. Heat until steaming hot, reaching 165°F. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain quality and safety.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they’re flavorful and become tender when slow-cooked, breaking down during the long simmering process.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, which helps develop rich, deep flavors.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. It provides protein from beef, complex carbohydrates from vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables, making it a complete, hearty meal.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add a handful of barley or small pasta like ditalini during the last 30 minutes of cooking to increase the soup’s heartiness and provide extra texture.

Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty old-fashioned vegetable beef soup warms hearts with robust flavors from tender beef and farm-fresh vegetables. Rich broth and comforting ingredients invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic homestyle meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat

Vegetables:

• 2 cups carrots
• 1 cup celery
• 1 large onion
• 2 cups potatoes
• 1 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup turnips

Liquid and Tomatoes:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and thoroughly brown the beef cubes, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and soften.
3. Pour beef broth into the pot, add bay leaves, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 60 minutes, developing deep flavor profiles.
4. Introduce diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
5. Fold in ripe tomatoes, crisp green beans, and sweet corn kernels, letting them meld together for 15-20 minutes to enhance overall taste and texture.
6. Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, presenting a hearty and comforting meal perfect for cold days.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using chuck roast or short ribs for richer, more tender meat results.
• Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt intake and customize seasoning according to preference.
• Swap fresh vegetables with frozen alternatives during off-season for consistent taste and convenience.
• Make the soup gluten-free by ensuring broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for restricted diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg