When the days get chilly and comfort food calls your name, nothing beats a hearty bowl of beef and vegetable soup made in a crock pot. This slow-cooked delight is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a nourishing, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, this soup warms you from the inside out.
Using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours. Whether you’re meal prepping or simply craving a satisfying dish, this recipe is versatile and forgiving—perfect for customizing with your favorite veggies or spices.
Dive into this cozy bowl of goodness and discover why it’s a staple in many kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef and vegetable soup in a crock pot is the epitome of convenience and comfort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the beef to perfection while infusing the broth with the essence of fresh vegetables and herbs.
This recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can swap or add vegetables depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
It’s a fantastic way to use up pantry staples and frozen veggies alike.
Plus, it’s a complete meal in a bowl—protein, fiber, and nutrients all in one. Ideal for freezing and reheating, it helps reduce mealtime stress during busy weeks.
You’ll find this soup is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and a cozy solo supper.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas, added near the end of cooking
Equipment
- Crock pot / slow cooker (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large skillet or frying pan (for browning beef)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle (for serving)
- Soup bowls and serving utensils
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, browning all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. This step adds rich flavor to your soup. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add them to the crock pot.
- Add vegetables: To the crock pot, add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and diced tomatoes. These vegetables will soften and infuse the broth with flavor as they cook.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle in dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
- Finishing touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas if using. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, always brown your beef before slow cooking. It adds depth that you simply can’t get by skipping this step.”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like parsnips, turnips, corn, or mushrooms depending on your preference.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
- Thicken the broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup 15 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled on top before serving add a bright, fresh flavor.
- For a richer broth: Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg (adjust if using low sodium broth) |
| Vitamin A | 90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the flavorful broth.
For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely. If you want to make it a heartier dinner, add a side of mashed potatoes or a cheese plate.
Check out some other comforting recipes like Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings or explore plant-based options with A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration.
Conclusion
This beef and vegetable soup crock pot recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The tender beef, combined with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, results in a comforting bowl that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ideal for busy schedules, this slow cooker soup lets you come home to a warm meal without the fuss. It’s also a great way to feed a family or meal prep for the week ahead.
Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite veggies or spices—you’ll soon find it becoming a staple in your recipe collection. For more hearty and wholesome dishes, explore other recipes like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or try some spice blends with Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Soup Crock Pot Recipe
Description: A hearty and comforting beef and vegetable soup made easy in the crock pot. Perfect for a nutritious meal with minimal effort.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place beef stew meat in the crock pot.
- Add chopped vegetables, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in beef broth and water.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or until beef is tender.
- Stir before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 15g
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