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!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get cozy recipes like this one delivered straight to your inbox!
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!
Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it turned out, and share your photos on social media with us!