Vegetable Beef Soup
A Hearty Comfort in Every Bowl
If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it’s Vegetable Beef Soup. Packed with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this soup has the power to comfort the soul while nourishing the body. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal to impress guests, this classic soup has a way of making everyone feel at home.
The beauty of Vegetable Beef Soup is in its balance of flavors and textures. From the soft, buttery potatoes to the crisp-tender green beans and sweet corn, every spoonful brings a delightful combination of heartiness and freshness. The tender beef, slowly browned and simmered in rich broth, infuses the soup with deep, savory flavor, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade, healthy meal that’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. From beginner cooks to seasoned chefs, making Vegetable Beef Soup is straightforward, and the results are always impressive.
Why This Recipe Works
Vegetable Beef Soup works so well for several reasons. First, the technique of browning the beef before adding it to the soup creates a depth of flavor that simple boiling can’t achieve. Searing the beef caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, adding richness and complexity to the broth.
Next, layering the vegetables in stages ensures they each reach perfect tenderness. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery require longer cooking times, while quick-cooking vegetables such as green beans, peas, and corn are added later. This careful timing keeps every ingredient vibrant, flavorful, and perfectly textured.
The blend of dried herbs—basil, oregano, and thyme—enhances the soup without overwhelming it. These herbs add aromatic undertones that complement both the beef and the vegetables, creating a cohesive and comforting flavor profile. Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the soup and gives it a fresh, lively finish.
Finally, Vegetable Beef Soup is flexible. You can adjust the vegetables, swap in different types of potatoes, or even make it in a slow cooker for convenience. This versatility makes it a recipe that works for families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a hearty, wholesome soup.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Before starting your Vegetable Beef Soup, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
For the beef and browning:
1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables:
1 3/4 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large)
1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium)
1 cup chopped celery (3 medium)
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups chopped green beans, trimmed
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Liquids and seasonings:
8 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Having all ingredients prepped and ready before starting makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This mise en place ensures that your Vegetable Beef Soup comes together perfectly every time.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup
Making Vegetable Beef Soup is a straightforward process if you follow these steps carefully:
Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add half of the beef to the pot and brown for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding an extra 1/2 tablespoon of oil if necessary. Browning the beef locks in flavor and creates a rich foundation for the soup.
Sauté the vegetables: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty pot. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute. This quick sauté enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and builds flavor for the soup base.
Combine the broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then return the browned beef to the pot. Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add potatoes: Stir in the chopped potatoes and continue simmering, covered, for another 20 minutes. If you prefer very soft green beans, you can add them at this stage as well.
Add green beans: Stir in green beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until all vegetables and beef are tender. Each vegetable should maintain its distinct texture while absorbing the rich broth.
Finish with frozen vegetables and parsley: Pour in the corn and peas, simmer until heated through (about 5 minutes). Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your Vegetable Beef Soup is now ready to serve.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
To ensure your Vegetable Beef Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these tips:
Use high-quality beef: Choose stew meat with a little marbling for tenderness and flavor.
Don’t skip browning the beef: This step develops depth in the broth that simple simmering cannot replicate.
Chop vegetables uniformly: Evenly sized pieces ensure consistent cooking and a better texture.
Layer vegetables by cooking time: Root vegetables first, delicate ones later, keeps everything perfectly tender.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.
Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freeze for later: Vegetable Beef Soup freezes beautifully; just leave out the potatoes if you want them to maintain their texture after thawing.
Following these tricks guarantees a rich, hearty, and flavorful soup every time you make Vegetable Beef Soup.
How to Serve
Vegetable Beef Soup is best served hot, straight from the pot. Ladle into large bowls and pair with hearty bread, crusty rolls, or crackers for a complete, satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side salad for a lighter accompaniment or even top with shredded cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
For meal prep or family-style serving, keep the soup warm in a slow cooker on low. The flavors will continue to develop and your home will smell incredible. Garnishing with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the rich broth.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
Top with grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for added richness.
Offer hot sauce or chili flakes for those who like a little heat.
Portion into mason jars or containers for lunches or freezer meals.
These suggestions make Vegetable Beef Soup versatile for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.
Time
Vegetable Beef Soup is a dish that requires a bit of patience but rewards you with rich flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:
Prep Time: 20–25 minutes (chopping vegetables and prepping beef)
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (browning beef, simmering soup, and cooking vegetables)
Total Time: 1 hour 35–40 minutes
This timeline ensures that every ingredient is cooked to perfection and that the flavors are fully developed.
Why You’ll Love Making Vegetable Beef Soup
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a homemade Vegetable Beef Soup. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. From the aroma filling your kitchen as the beef browns to the comforting warmth of each spoonful, this soup embodies home cooking at its finest. It’s healthy, hearty, and adaptable, making it ideal for families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a classic, flavorful soup.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With basic pantry ingredients and fresh vegetables, you can create a dish that feels special and satisfying. It’s also a great way to use seasonal produce, allowing you to swap in vegetables based on availability and preference.
Vegetable Beef Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a timeless dish that brings comfort, nutrition, and flavor to any table. Perfect for cold days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this soup has earned its place as a favorite in kitchens everywhere. By following this guide, you’ll have all the tools and tips you need to make a Vegetable Beef Soup that’s tender, flavorful, and full of hearty goodness.
