There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup on a chilly day. This hearty and comforting soup combines tender chunks of beef with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth.
Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, this recipe is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this vegetable beef soup offers a wonderful balance of protein, vitamins, and fiber that will keep you energized and full.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making the great vegetable beef soup that’s packed with taste and easy to prepare. Plus, I’ll share tips and variations to customize your soup, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to make your mealtime even better.
Ready to warm up with a bowl? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable beef soup recipe stands out for a number of reasons. First, it’s a wholesome one-pot meal that combines lean beef and a variety of vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious option.
The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a deep, savory broth that’s both comforting and delicious.
Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand, and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
It’s also an excellent recipe for batch cooking — it freezes well, so you can have ready-made meals for busy days.
Last but not least, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find the instructions clear and manageable.
Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot if you prefer alternate cooking methods
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure good browning. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Return beef to pot: Add the browned beef back to the pot along with any juices that have collected. Pour in the beef broth, making sure everything is covered. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.
- Add potatoes and green beans: Stir in the cubed potatoes, green beans, and corn kernels. Continue simmering for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Season and finish: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of red wine during the sautéing step. It adds complexity without overpowering the soup.”
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of homemade chili powder blend for a warm kick.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like parsnips, zucchini, or mushrooms based on seasonal availability.
- Slow cooker method: Brown beef and sauté aromatics in a pan first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Instant Pot shortcut: Use sauté mode for browning, then pressure cook for 35 minutes for a quicker meal.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with hearty beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. Check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable beef soup is delicious served hot with a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll on the side. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
You can also garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a bright finish. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, while shredded cheese sprinkled on top brings an indulgent touch.
For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a baked potato loaded with your favorite toppings. If you love experimenting with bowls, try pairing it with grains like quinoa or barley for extra texture and nutrients.
Conclusion
Making a great vegetable beef soup at home is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. This recipe offers a perfect blend of tender beef and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth that comforts the soul and satisfies the appetite.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead, this soup is a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s both wholesome and delicious.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a nutritious, warming meal that brings out the best of classic comfort food. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to your liking or explore related dishes for more variety.
For more wholesome meal ideas featuring vegetables and hearty ingredients, be sure to check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Great Vegetable Beef Soup
Description: A hearty and nutritious soup packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Pour in beef broth and water; bring to a boil.
- Add carrots, celery, green beans, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g
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