Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty aromas waft through the kitchen as this comforting vegetable beef soup simmers gently on the stove.

Rich beef chunks mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that warm you from the inside.

Tender meat and garden-fresh produce dance together in a savory broth that speaks of home-cooked comfort.

Each spoonful carries memories of cozy family dinners and nourishing meals shared around the table.

Packed with nutrients and robust seasonings, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal.

The combination of slow-cooked beef and vibrant vegetables promises a delicious experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your ladle and prepare to savor every delightful bite of this soul-warming classic.

Store and Reheat Vegetable Soup

  • 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.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Sides to Serve with Beef Soup

Savor Hearty Flavor Companions: Wine and Bread Pairings

  • Robust Red Wine Match: Choose a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich beef and vegetable flavors, cutting through the soup's heartiness with its tannic structure.
  • Crusty Bread Sidekick: Select a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the savory broth, providing a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Cheese Board Accent: Add a sharp aged cheddar or creamy Gruyère alongside the soup, which will elevate the meal's depth and provide a luxurious accompaniment that harmonizes with the soup's robust profile.
  • Herbal Beverage Boost: Brew a warm chamomile or rosemary tea to serve alongside, offering a soothing counterpoint that refreshes the palate between hearty spoonfuls.

Flavor Options for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Beef Soup: Replace potatoes with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the hearty soup's rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Infusion: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to create a gluten-free alternative that enhances the soup's natural taste without compromising dietary restrictions.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or textured vegetable protein to transform the recipe into a vegetarian-friendly meal packed with nutrients and robust flavors.
  • One-Pot Instant Pot Edition: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by adding all ingredients simultaneously and reducing cooking time to 25 minutes, creating a quick and convenient version of the classic vegetable beef soup.

FAQs

  • Why should I season the meat before cooking?

Seasoning the meat with salt and pepper for 20 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating a more robust taste profile in the final dish.

  • How do I know when the meat is properly browned?

Look for a golden-brown crust on each side. The meat should have a nice sear that develops rich, caramelized flavors without burning.

  • Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Fresh vegetables work great! Just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure they become tender. Frozen vegetables are convenient and maintain their texture well in soups.

  • What's the purpose of sautéing vegetables before adding broth?

Sautéing vegetables releases their natural sugars and intensifies their flavors, creating a more complex and delicious base for the soup.

Why Vegetable Beef Soup Is a Classic

Why Vegetable Beef Soup Is a Classic
  • Easy marinating technique elevates the meat's taste without complicated techniques, making this recipe a game-changer for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results.
  • Minimal cleanup with a single Dutch oven means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal that warms the soul and satisfies hunger.
  • Flexible recipe allows swapping vegetables, adjusting spices, or adding extra ingredients, making it perfect for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with flavors.
  • Browning meat and layering ingredients teaches fundamental cooking skills that can be applied to numerous other recipes, helping home cooks build confidence in the kitchen.

Veggie Beef Soup Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Stew Meat: Tender beef cut perfect for slow-cooking and developing rich flavors.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup vegetable blend that creates a robust aromatic base.
  • Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds texture and thickness to the soup.
  • Frozen Peas, Corn, Green Beans: Mixed vegetables that provide color, nutrition, and additional flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth to the soup's overall taste profile.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Sea Salt, Crushed Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat and vegetable flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings complex and complementary spice notes.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal undertone to the soup's overall flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Foundational liquid that creates a rich and savory soup base.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with browning meat and sautéing vegetables.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used as a finishing touch for fresh flavor.

How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Season stew meat with sea salt and crushed pepper.

Let the meat marinate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

This simple technique enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.

Carefully place meat in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Brown each side for 3-4 minutes, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that seals in rich flavors.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In a Dutch oven, sauté:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Cook until vegetables become fragrant.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to release the herbs’ aromatic oils.

Step 4: Create the Soup Foundation

Add to the pot:
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Bay leaf

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and develop a rich, deep taste.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Introduce cubed potatoes and cook until tender, approximately 20 minutes.

Stir in:
  • Frozen peas
  • Corn
  • Green beans

Add frozen vegetables last to prevent overcooking and maintain their vibrant color and texture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove bay leaf and taste the soup.

Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish just before serving.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting, hearty soup.

Tips for Hearty Beef Soup

Tips for Hearty Beef Soup
  • Season stew meat with salt and pepper, allowing 20 minutes for seasoning to penetrate deeply, intensifying overall taste profile.
  • Create a delicious crust by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet and waiting until each side develops a rich, golden-brown color before flipping.
  • Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic together to build a robust flavor foundation, releasing natural sugars and creating depth in the soup.
  • Cook soup on low heat with a covered lid, allowing ingredients to slowly break down and merge flavors, which transforms tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Add frozen vegetables during the final cooking stage to maintain their color, texture, and nutritional value, preventing them from becoming mushy or losing their fresh quality.
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Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with rich, robust flavors simmering from tender beef and garden-fresh vegetables. Delicious spoonfuls promise satisfying comfort that warms souls and delights hungry families gathering around the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 2 pounds beef broth

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced into strips
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen green beans, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 large (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons parsley
  • Sea salt and crushed pepper, for seasoning
  • 7 cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. Massage stew meat with sea salt and crushed pepper, allowing 20 minutes for seasoning absorption to enhance flavor complexity.
  2. Utilize a large skillet with olive oil heated to medium-high temperature, carefully browning meat pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until a rich golden crust develops, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  3. Transfer to a Dutch oven and caramelize onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until aromatic, incorporating Italian seasoning to intensify spice profiles and release essential oils.
  4. Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture, introducing a bay leaf for depth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
  5. Introduce cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, approximately 20 minutes. Gently fold in frozen peas, corn, and green beans during the final cooking stage to preserve their vibrant texture and nutritional integrity.
  6. Extract bay leaf, taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley to elevate the soup’s aromatic profile and provide a bright, herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

  • Maximize meat tenderness by choosing chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling, which breaks down slowly during cooking and creates rich, deep flavor.
  • Allow meat to rest at room temperature before browning to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, chewy texture.
  • Consider seasoning meat with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced aromatic complexity.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular beef broth with certified gluten-free beef broth and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Meal prep friendly soup can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days in refrigerator or frozen for 3 months without losing quality.
  • Boost protein content by adding extra lean beef or including beans like kidney or white beans for vegetarian protein alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
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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