Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This soup is warm, filling, and perfect for those chilly days when you want a no-fuss meal. Just throw in the ingredients, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic!
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
- Hands-Free Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with vegetables and protein, making it a wholesome meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy it all week long.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
To make this delicious, hearty soup, you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups beef broth (use low-sodium if you prefer)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker: For cooking the soup over low heat for tender, flavorful results.
- Skillet (optional): To brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef (or add it raw if skipping browning), beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, corn, onion, and garlic.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, basil, pepper, and a little salt (you can adjust seasoning after cooking).
- Stir to combine everything well.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top for extra freshness.
- Add a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Grated Cheese: Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan or cheddar on top if desired.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Customize the Vegetables: Add zucchini, peas, or cabbage if you have them on hand.
- Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low heat for a longer time will make the beef incredibly tender.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well. Place in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
A: Yes! Brown the ground beef first and drain any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q2: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A: Absolutely! The soup will still be delicious, though it may have a slightly lighter flavor.
Q3: Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
A: Yes! Cook the pasta or rice separately, then stir it into the soup just before serving to keep it from becoming mushy.
Conclusion: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness!
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying. With tender beef, wholesome veggies, and rich broth, this is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Just grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you’ll love coming home to a ready-to-eat meal!
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