When I made this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup for the first time, I couldn’t believe how comforting and hearty it turned out. It’s packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned broth. I love how it fills the entire kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
By the second bowl, I was hooked, and my family couldn’t stop asking for more. Trust me, this soup is everything you want on a chilly day, and it’s surprisingly easy to bring together!
Credit: mightymrs
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup. Each ingredient has its role in creating the perfect flavor and texture.
- 1 lb beef stew meat – Cut into bite-sized pieces; it’s best for its tender texture after simmering.
- 1 onion – Chop it finely for a touch of sweetness.
- 3 celery ribs – Adds crunch and a light, earthy flavor.
- 10 baby carrots (or 2 large carrots) – Slice into even pieces for a pop of color and sweetness.
- 2 potatoes – Peeled and diced; russets work great for their starchiness, which slightly thickens the broth.
- 1 cup frozen corn – Sweet and juicy, but avoid canned corn for the best texture.
- 1 cup frozen peas – Add them at the end to keep their bright green color and soft bite.
- 2 (14-oz) cans diced tomatoes – Look for unsalted ones to control your seasoning.
- 3 ½ cups beef broth – The rich base of the soup; homemade or low-sodium store-bought is ideal.
- 2 small bay leaves – Adds depth to the broth.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – A simple way to enhance overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil) – Used to brown the beef and sauté veggies.
- 4 cups water – Balances the richness of the broth.
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce – Optional but adds a slight kick if you’re a fan of spice!
Note: This recipe makes 4-6 servings, perfect for a small family meal or meal-prepping for the week.
Variations
Make this soup your own with these easy swaps and add-ins!
- Go dairy-free by keeping things as is. No milk or cheese needed for this recipe.
- Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes if you like a sweeter flavor profile.
- For a thicker broth, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste or a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Skip the hot pepper sauce for a mild version or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
- Toss in green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies!
If you enjoy globally inspired twists, you might like our flavorful Thai Curry Soup for a little extra heat and spice.
Cooking Time
This recipe takes some time to develop its rich flavors, but it’s worth every second!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get cooking!
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Perfect for simmering the soup and evenly cooking all ingredients.
- Cutting board – For prepping all the vegetables and beef.
- Sharp knife – Makes chopping faster and easier.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring and scraping the pot.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Prepare the Beef
First, cut the stew meat into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures faster cooking and easier eating. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Browning locks in the flavor, so don’t rush this step. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Chop and Sauté the Vegetables
While the beef rests, chop the onion, celery, potatoes, and carrots into evenly sized pieces. Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pot, and sauté the celery and onion until softened and golden. This process builds an aromatic base for the soup.
Combine and Simmer
Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the water, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, corn, bay leaves, and garlic powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour or until the beef is almost tender.
Finish with Peas and Seasoning
Add the peas and hot pepper sauce to the soup. Cover the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes or until the beef is fully tender and the flavors are well-blended. Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for an added crunch!
Credit: mightymrs
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, small tweaks can elevate this soup to the next level. Here’s what works for me every time!
- Always brown the beef; it gives the soup a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Use fresh garlic if you have it. Mince it fine for a stronger taste.
- For a richer broth, replace the water with an additional cup of beef broth.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick.
- Simmering longer makes the beef even more tender. Be patient!
You can also enjoy similar cozy dishes like Tuscan White Bean Soup if you’re in the mood for something wholesome and satisfying.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
This soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it in large soup bowls with some garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a visual and flavorful boost. Set out crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even saltine crackers for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp side salad.
Nutritional Information
This hearty bowl of soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Around 250
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 8g
Make Ahead and Storage
Keep your leftovers fresh and ready to enjoy later!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual servings or a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until entire soup is hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This soup has everything you’re looking for in a comforting, homemade meal.
- Easy to prepare – The steps are simple and easy to follow.
- Customizable – You can make it as mild or spicy as you like.
- Nutritious – Packed with veggies, protein, and fiber.
- Great for meal prep – Freezes beautifully for convenient meals later on.
- Perfectly flavorful – A hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
There you have it! A timeless recipe for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup that will please the entire family while warming you up inside and out. Enjoy cooking and savor every spoonful! And if you’re looking to expand your meal rotation, you might find more inspiration in our go-to Dinner Ideas to keep things fresh and flavorful all week long.