If you have been craving a hearty, comforting bowl that warms you up from the inside out, look no further than this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender beef, vibrant garden vegetables, and rich, savory broth simmered to perfection. Every spoonful offers a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness, combining simplicity and depth in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to creating a soup that sings with flavor and texture. Each element plays its role, whether it’s the beef bringing hearty richness, or the vegetables adding color, crunch, and sweetness.
- 1 pound beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tenderness and flavor that permeates the broth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics without overpowering.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fragrant warmth to the base.
- 4 cups beef broth: The soul of the soup, creating a rich, savory foundation.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: They provide a natural sweetness and a pop of orange color.
- 2 stalks celery, sliced: Offers a subtle aromatic crunch that rounds out the vegetable mix.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: These hearty chunks absorb the broth’s flavor, making each bite satisfying.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Adds freshness, color, and slight crispness even after cooking.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet kernels balance the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and brightness to lift the soup’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, it gently perfumes the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herbal note.
- 1 bay leaf: An aromatic leaf that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all ingredients into harmony.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, green pop that invites the eye and palate.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the stew meat in batches, making sure each cube develops a beautiful caramelized crust. This step is key because it locks in the juices and gives your soup that rich, meaty base. Once browned, set the beef aside to ensure it doesn’t overcook during this phase.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in your diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. The slow softening releases their natural sweetness, which mingles with the browned bits left from the beef. Add the minced garlic next and sauté just until it’s fragrant – almost instantly, it awakens the senses and builds the flavor foundation of the soup.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth along with water. Stir everything together to blend the beefy essence with the premium broth. Bringing this mixture to a gentle simmer ensures all those wonderful flavors start to meld and infuse throughout the liquid.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
This step is where the soup begins to come alive in color and texture. Add sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and undrained diced tomatoes all at once. Stir carefully to distribute the veggies evenly and to coat them in that savory broth, letting every ingredient contribute its unique texture and flavor.
Step 5: Season with Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle in dried thyme, basil, the bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. These simple herbs elevate the soup’s aroma and taste, transforming it into a comforting classic. Once seasoned, bring the soup back to a simmer then lower the heat, preparing it for the slow cooking phase.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot and let the soup gently bubble away for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer tenderizes the beef until it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft and allows the vegetables to become tender but not mushy. Give it an occasional stir and add water if the soup starts to look too thick – the goal is a hearty, yet balanced consistency.
Step 7: Final Seasoning Touches
Before serving, fish out the bay leaf and taste your soup. Adjust any salt and pepper as needed, because seasoning at the end gives you control over the final flavor burst. This step ensures you’re serving up the best bowl of comfort possible.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up the soup while warm and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like a fresh, bright contrast. The visual pop of green parsley not only adds color but a fresh herbaceous note that beautifully complements the rich, savory broth.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice, bringing a burst of color and freshness. You might also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang. Cracked black pepper on top adds just enough bite to elevate each spoonful.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for dunking. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also complement the comforting warmth of the soup, rounding out the meal without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a more elegant touch, ladle the soup into small, heated cups as appetizers at a gathering. You can also transform leftovers into a thick stew-like dish by simmering down and serving with creamy mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing flavors to deepen overnight and making it a perfect next-day comfort meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Be sure to cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture of the beef and veggies stays just right.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. You can add a bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works well when you’re in a hurry, just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this soup?
Absolutely! While stew meat is perfect for slow simmering and tenderness, you can use chuck roast or even ground beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the beef is tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra hearty vegetables or beans to maintain protein and texture. Herbs and seasoning can stay the same for a rich, comforting vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have fresh vegetables on hand?
Frozen vegetables are a convenient and equally tasty alternative. Just add them a little later in the cooking process so they don’t get mushy, preserving their texture and vibrancy.
How can I thicken Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe if I prefer it heartier?
To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the potatoes right in the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking. Allow the soup to simmer a few minutes after adding the slurry for the perfect consistency.
What are some good herbs to add for extra flavor?
Besides thyme and basil, rosemary and oregano complement beef nicely and create an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs can be added at the end of cooking for brightness, while dried ones develop rich flavors during simmering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a classic Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that comforts like no other meal can. It’s simple ingredients transformed through love, patience, and a slow simmer into a dish full of hearty warmth and timeless flavor. So why not give it a try today? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your soul will thank you for the cozy experience.
Print
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting classic, packed with tender beef stew meat and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this soup combines simple ingredients with slow, steady cooking to develop deep, rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Aromatics and Broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, browning it on all sides to lock in flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant to build the base flavor.
- Add Liquids and Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth along with the water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, and the undrained diced tomatoes, integrating all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low to allow gentle cooking.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed, until the beef is tender and vegetables are fully cooked.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper as desired to perfect the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this classic, comforting meal!
Notes
- Browning the beef in batches prevents overcrowding and helps develop a richer flavor.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables if canned are not available for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less water during simmering.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld further.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth is gluten-free.
