Hearty Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Comfort food at its finest, Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the kind of meal that warms both the body and the soul. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this classic soup has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes the kitchen smell amazing and fills you with nostalgic memories of family dinners and cozy winter nights.

Perfect for chilly evenings, lazy Sundays, or when you’re simply craving something wholesome, this soup is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together in a delicious, slow-simmered broth that’s rich in flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or to suit dietary preferences.

Whether made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot, this soup offers both convenience and a hearty meal for the whole family. It’s ideal for meal prepping, freezes well, and gets even better the next day. If you’re looking for a timeless recipe that delivers comfort, taste, and nutrition in every spoonful, Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Full of Flavor – The slow-cooked beef and vegetables create a rich, savory broth that’s deeply comforting.
2. Nutritious and Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a complete, well-balanced meal.
3. Easy to Customize – Use whatever vegetables or beef cuts you have on hand—it’s a flexible, forgiving recipe.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week or freeze portions for later.
5. One-Pot Simplicity – Less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat or chuck roast
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic
• Green beans
• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
• Bay leaves
• Dried herbs (like thyme, oregano, or parsley)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and corn and add more leafy greens like spinach or kale.
• Grain Boost: Stir in barley, quinoa, or pasta for extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Add the beef back to the pot along with beef broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and herbs. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, and any additional veggies. Cook for another 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.
• Brown the beef properly to develop deep flavor in the broth.
• Skim off excess fat from the top during simmering for a cleaner finish.
• Add delicate vegetables (like peas) toward the end of cooking to preserve texture.
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking to enhance flavor.

How to Serve

Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or grilled cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. What’s the best cut of beef for vegetable beef soup?

Beef chuck or stew meat works best because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours.

3. How can I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or mash a few potatoes in the pot for natural thickening.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

5. Can I freeze vegetable beef soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing.

6. What vegetables can I use?

Any sturdy vegetables work well—carrots, potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, zucchini, and turnips are great choices.

7. Do I have to brown the beef first?

Browning adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step—though the depth of flavor may be lessened.

8. How do I make the soup less salty?

Use low-sodium broth and season at the end to control salt levels more effectively.

9. Can I use ground beef instead?

Yes, ground beef works as a faster alternative. Just brown it thoroughly and drain the fat.

10. How do I reheat frozen soup?

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless classic that brings together rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and heartwarming comfort in every bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations—easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re making it for your family, a potluck, or just to have comforting leftovers on hand, this soup will never let you down. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of slow-cooked beef and vegetables wafting through your kitchen—it’s more than a meal, it’s a tradition.

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