Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup on a chilly day! This hearty and comforting soup is packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will bring back memories of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with beef, veggies, and a rich broth.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, one pot, and minimal effort.
• Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• Beef Stew Meat (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces) – Tender chunks of beef add richness.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For browning the beef.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Adds a deep, savory flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the broth with an aromatic kick.
• Carrots (2, sliced) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Provides a classic soup flavor.
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced) – Makes the soup heartier.
• Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, diced) – Adds a rich tomato base.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Intensifies the broth.
• Beef Broth (6 cups) – The foundation of the soup.
• Bay Leaf (1) – Adds a subtle, earthy note.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Enhances the umami flavor.
• Dried Thyme (1 tsp) – Classic herb for depth.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp) – Brings a warm, herby taste.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Adjust to your preference.

For the Vegetables (Add Later):

• Green Beans (1 cup, chopped) – Adds a fresh crunch.
• Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned, drained) – Brings a touch of sweetness.
• Peas (½ cup, frozen) – Adds color and texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
• Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Build the Broth

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Return the browned beef to the pot.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

• Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Vegetables

• Stir in the potatoes and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
• Add the green beans, corn, and peas, cooking for another 5-10 minutes until everything is tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

What to Serve with This Soup

• Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Cornbread – A classic Southern pairing.
• Side Salad – Adds freshness to the meal.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup

• Use a Good Cut of Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best for tender bites.
• Simmer Low and Slow: This develops deep flavors and makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Customize Your Veggies: Swap in your favorites like zucchini, bell peppers, or cabbage.
• Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except corn and peas) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the corn and peas before serving.

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Brown ground beef, drain excess fat, and continue with the recipe as written.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any table. With rich, savory broth, tender beef, and vibrant veggies, it’s a timeless classic that will keep you coming back for more.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 600mg

Make a big batch and enjoy the cozy flavors all week long! Don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review. Happy cooking!

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