Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Heartwarming Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Every Family Loves

Crafting a hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind with every savory spoonful.

Robust chunks of tender meat mingle with colorful garden vegetables in this classic one-pot wonder.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward recipes that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients create magic when combined with love and a dash of patience.

Simmering slowly unlocks deep, rich flavors that will make you feel wrapped in culinary happiness.

You’ll want to ladle this delicious soup into bowls and watch smiles spread across hungry faces.

Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Rundown

  • Easily customize this soup by swapping vegetables or adding your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized touch.
  • Pack a powerful punch of protein and vegetables in a single bowl that keeps everyone happy and healthy.
  • Create a delicious, filling meal using affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup

Protein Base:
  • Beef Stew Meat: Tender chunks of beef that provide a hearty and rich flavor to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Corn: Classic vegetables that bring texture, nutrition, and heartiness to the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, tanginess, and helps create a robust soup base.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Basil, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the soup with warm, earthy, and subtle aromatic notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth, Water: Creates the foundational liquid for the soup, adding moisture and depth of flavor.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a light, smooth background flavor.

How to Cook Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Grab a large pot and heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in the beef stew meat and cook until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Once seared, transfer the meat to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot with all those delicious browned bits, add the chopped onions and let them dance around until they become soft and translucent.

Drop in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing its fragrant magic.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Slide the browned beef back into the pot.

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Water
  • Diced tomatoes with their juices
Now add these colorful veggie friends:
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Corn

Sprinkle in dried thyme, dried basil, and drop a bay leaf into the mix.

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently.

Step 4: Tender and Delicious

Let the soup bubble softly for 30-40 minutes until the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

Fish out the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve alongside some crusty bread or crispy crackers.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this soul-soothing meal!

Pro Suggestions for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Pat beef dry with paper towels before browning to ensure a golden, flavorful crust that locks in delicious meaty flavors.
  • Add softer vegetables like corn and green beans later to prevent overcooking and maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
  • Use a combination of fresh and dried herbs to create a more complex, layered taste profile in your soup.
  • Cook the soup on low heat to help tenderize the beef and allow ingredients to meld together seamlessly.
  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, as flavors continue to develop over time.

Saving and Rewarming Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until soup reaches 165°F. This prevents uneven heating and maintains texture.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This method helps preserve vegetables' texture and soup's overall consistency.

Delicious Sides for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Complement Crusty Bread with Tangy Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot cuts through the hearty beef soup's richness, enhancing the savory meat and vegetable flavors.
  • Elevate Soup with Herbed Butter Spread: Create a zesty compound butter using fresh parsley, garlic, and sea salt to spread on crusty bread, adding complementary herbal notes that mirror the soup's seasoning.
  • Pair with Crisp Garden Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's warmth, providing a refreshing contrast and adding extra nutrition to the meal.
  • Match with Creamy Cornbread: Bake a traditional cornbread with a touch of honey, offering a sweet and soft accompaniment that absorbs the soup's delicious broth and provides textural variety.

Vegetable Beef Soup Style Swaps

  • Hearty Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply while saving stovetop time.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the soup's rich, comforting texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all vegetables are fresh and unprocessed to create a celiac-friendly soup that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute beef with plant-based protein like lentils or chunks of firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meat-free meal.

FAQs

  • How do I make sure the beef is tender?

Brown the beef first to lock in flavors, then slow cook in the broth for 30-40 minutes. This helps break down tough muscle fibers, making the meat soft and delicious.

  • Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Replace dried thyme and basil with fresh herbs at a 3:1 ratio. Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your soup.

  • What kind of beef is best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat works perfectly. These cuts have more marbling and connective tissue, which break down during cooking and create a rich, tender result.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.

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Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Hearty vegetable beef soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dining table. Packed with tender beef, robust vegetables, and savory broth, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic, soul-warming meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

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

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/414 g) diced tomatoes, with juices

Herbs, Liquids, and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, searing beef stew meat until deeply golden on all sides. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
  2. Using the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Reintroduce seared beef to the pot, combining with beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes, ensuring all browned bits are incorporated from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Incorporate potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn into the liquid mixture. Sprinkle dried thyme, dried basil, and add bay leaf for enhanced depth of flavor.
  5. Bring the soup to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 35-45 minutes. Verify beef tenderness and vegetable softness during cooking.
  6. Discard bay leaf after simmering. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to personal preference.
  7. Ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before adding to the soup creates a deeper, richer flavor profile by caramelizing the meat’s surface.
  • Choose chuck or round steak cuts for maximum tenderness and better flavor absorption during long cooking times.
  • Customize vegetable combinations based on seasonal availability or personal preferences without changing core cooking technique.
  • Make this soup freezer-friendly by cooling completely and storing in airtight containers for up to three months, allowing quick meal preparation later.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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