If you’ve been craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly satisfying bowl of soup, then you’re in for a treat with The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This stew brings together tender chunks of savory beef, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a masterpiece of taste, texture, and color that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is easier than you might think. This recipe calls for accessible, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor and heartiness. From the savory beef to the fresh vegetables, everything works together to create a soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.
- 1 lb beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled pieces for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Builds a savory base with slight sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a fragrant kick to the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The soul of your soup, delivering hearty flavor and moisture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brightens the soup with acidity and color.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant orange hues.
- 2 potatoes, diced: Add comforting creaminess and bulk to every bite.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: Provide a tender snap and fresh earthiness.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts of flavor and pop of yellow.
- 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned): Offer subtle sweetness and a velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbaceous notes that tuck into every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a savory Mediterranean touch.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses deep, gentle earthiness while simmering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. When shimmering, add your stew meat and let it sear until beautifully browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in those meaty juices and builds a deep, rich foundation for the soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside—your pot is about to get even more flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, using the flavorful beef drippings left behind, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma. This simple but crucial base layer creates that cozy soup essence you’ll fall in love with.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Meat
Pour in the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes to add a vibrant tang and balance to the hearty broth. Return the browned beef to the pot and give everything a gentle stir. This is where your soup really starts to come together, combining rich meatiness with bright tomato notes.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in your carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. These colorful veggies bring a delightful mix of textures, sweetness, and earthiness to the pot, turning this soup into a complete, nourishing meal. Don’t worry about exact sizes — the diced and sliced pieces will cook down to tender, perfect bites.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. This simmering time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully, delivering that signature depth only time can create.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, fish out the bay leaf to avoid any surprises. At this point, your soup is ready to warm your soul — ladle it into bowls and enjoy with a side of crusty bread for sopping up every drop. You’ve just made The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe, and it tastes just as amazing as it looks!
How to Serve The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan on top adds a bright, fresh finish that complements the hearty flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto also elevates the dinner table vibe and offers an extra creamy or herby touch.
Side Dishes
Crusty artisanal bread or warm garlic rolls are perfect for dipping and make the meal feel extra special. For lighter sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances richness nicely and adds refreshing texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy, homey feel or in mason jars for a charming, casual lunch on the go. You can also transform leftovers into a thick stew by adding barley or small pasta shapes and gently reheating for a filling next-day twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, during which the flavors only deepen, making those leftovers even better than the first serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, avoid adding dairy prior to freezing, and consider adding fresh herbs after reheating to brighten the flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick after chilling, adding a splash of beef broth or water will bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can affect texture unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef will cook faster and create a different texture, giving you a heartier, denser soup. Just brown it thoroughly and adjust cooking time accordingly since it doesn’t need as long to become tender.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add celery, zucchini, or cabbage based on your preferences or what’s in season. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything becomes tender but not mushy.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Always check labels on canned goods to be safe.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and veggies are cooked through.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Season towards the end of cooking for best control, tasting your soup and balancing salt, pepper, or herbs little by little. Fresh herbs added at the end can also brighten the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few steps away from enjoying The BEST Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that feels like a warm, nourishing hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks comfort, and makes the simplest ingredients shine. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to create magic in your own kitchen.
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 comforting vegetable beef soup packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs simmered to perfection for a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Vegetables
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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 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 beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Liquids & Meat: Pour beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes into the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir gently to combine.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, corn, and peas evenly into the soup.
- Season & Simmer: Add dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the soup warm, ideally with crusty bread for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes while cooking or add a slurry of flour and water towards the end.
- You can substitute beef stew meat for ground beef, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh or frozen vegetables work well; if canned are used, drain them to reduce excess liquid.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
