Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love

Stirring a hearty vegetable beef soup that warms your soul on chilly afternoons.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with colorful vegetables in this comforting classic.

Rich broth bubbles with savory goodness, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.

Each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked comfort and nourishment.

Crisp carrots, soft potatoes, and juicy meat blend perfectly in this simple yet elegant dish.

You’ll want to grab a crusty bread and dive right into this delicious bowl of goodness.

Why Vegetable Beef Soup Is Classic And Hearty

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Searing beef before simmering creates rich, caramelized notes that transform an ordinary soup into a deeply satisfying meal with complex taste layers.
  • Quick and Easy Comfort: This one-pot wonder delivers hearty nutrition in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome, warming dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Customizable Kitchen Magic: Swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preferences, allowing flexible meal preparation that adapts to your pantry and family's taste buds.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from beef, colorful vegetables providing essential vitamins, and a balanced broth, this soup delivers a complete meal that nourishes and delights every spoonful.

What You’ll Need For Vegetable Beef Soup

Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and satisfying texture, choose chuck roast or stew meat for best results.
Aromatics and Base Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup foundation creating depth of flavor, select fresh, firm vegetables for maximum crunch and taste.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, warming undertone to the soup's overall profile.
Liquid and Tomato Component:
  • Beef Broth: Delivers rich, meaty background to the soup, low-sodium options work well for better seasoning control.
  • Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy brightness and slight acidity to balance the rich beef.
Herbs and Seasoning:
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements beef and vegetables wonderfully.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for bright finish and garnish, adds visual appeal.
  • Bay Leaf: Subtle background flavor that enhances overall soup complexity.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out ingredient flavors.
Additional Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Hearty starch that makes soup more filling, russet or red potatoes work great.
  • Green Beans: Adds color and fresh vegetable texture.
  • Corn: Sweet kernel provides additional flavor and nutrition.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing beef and sautéing vegetables, helps develop rich flavors.

How To Make Vegetable Beef Soup With Ease

How To Make Vegetable Beef Soup With Ease

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle beef chunks with salt and pepper, then toss them into the hot pot.

Cook until they’re deeply browned on all sides to seal in flavor.

Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate for later.

Step 2: Dance the Veggies in the Pot

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot and stir.

Cook until the veggies soften and smell amazing.

Toss in minced garlic and stir for another minute to deepen the aroma.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Magic

Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water.

Add thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf to the mix.

Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer until the beef is tender and juicy.

Step 4: Welcome More Vegetable Friends

Stir in diced potatoes, green beans, and sweet corn.

Let the soup simmer uncovered until all vegetables are perfectly tender.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touch

Remove the bay leaf and taste the broth.

Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite crackers.

Helpful Tips For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Beef Browning Boost: Patting the beef dry before searing helps achieve a deeper, more caramelized crust, enhancing the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Variety Swap: Customize the soup by substituting green beans with frozen peas or adding zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Low-Sodium Strategy: Use low-sodium beef broth and control salt levels by adding salt gradually, tasting as you go to prevent over-seasoning.
  • Freeze-Friendly Technique: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Dietary Adaptation Hack: Make this soup gluten-free by ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free and serving with gluten-free crackers or bread.

How To Store And Warm Up Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Freezer Preservation: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention and quality.
  • Reheating Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and restore the soup's original texture and warmth.
  • Microwave Method: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cool spots.

Tasty Matches For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied red like cabernet sauvignon or merlot that complements the rich beef flavor and cuts through the hearty soup's warmth.
  • Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a crusty sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious broth, enhancing the soup's savory profile and adding delightful texture.
  • Complement with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Serve a side of aged cheddar that provides a tangy counterpoint to the soup's deep, meaty undertones, creating a satisfying flavor explosion.
  • Balance with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and some crunchy elements to contrast the soup's warm and comforting nature.

Ways To Change Up Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Garden Harvest Soup: Replace beef with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that celebrates seasonal produce.
  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to create a bold, southwestern-style soup with a warm, zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Soup: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and swap beef for lamb, giving the soup a rich Mediterranean flavor profile with aromatic herbs.
  • Slow Cooker Classic: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing beef, allowing the soup to simmer on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more developed flavors.

FAQs On Vegetable Beef Soup

  • What makes this vegetable beef soup special?

This soup is packed with hearty beef and a colorful mix of vegetables, creating a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold days.

  • Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Chuck roast works best because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, but you can also use stew meat or beef chuck steak for similar results.

  • Do I need to cut the beef into specific sizes?

Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tender meat that easily fits on a spoon. Consistent sizing helps the meat cook uniformly throughout the soup.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes! This vegetable beef soup freezes wonderfully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup delivers pure comfort in a bowl, blending robust beef and garden-fresh vegetables into a nourishing meal. Simmering with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic, soul-warming dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or peas)
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium if preferred)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a robust beef foundation by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then carefully place into the hot surface. Allow meat to develop a rich caramelized crust, rotating pieces to ensure even browning for approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer seared beef to a temporary plate.
  2. Utilize the same pot’s flavorful remnants to sauté aromatic vegetables. Introduce chopped onions, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently until vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and quickly incorporate, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the mixture.
  3. Reunite the seared beef with the vegetable medley. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, and herbaceous elements like thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately 35-40 minutes.
  4. Incorporate hearty root vegetables and vibrant green components. Gently fold in cubed potatoes, tender green beans, and sweet corn kernels. Continue simmering uncovered, permitting vegetables to reach perfect tenderness while creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Finalize the culinary creation by extracting the bay leaf and conducting a thorough taste assessment. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the robust soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Complement with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Enhance meat tenderness by choosing tough cuts like chuck roast or bottom round, which become incredibly soft during long, slow cooking.
  • Select fresh vegetables with vibrant colors to boost nutritional value and create a more visually appealing soup.
  • Elevate flavor complexity by deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after searing beef, capturing delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Make soup diet-friendly by substituting beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based protein for lower-fat versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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