When the chill sets in, nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable beef soup to comfort the soul and satisfy hunger. This classic dish combines tender chunks of beef with an array of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
Not only is it incredibly nourishing, but it also offers a wonderful balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week, vegetable beef soup fits the bill.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 delicious vegetable beef soup recipes, each with its own unique twist, so you can find your new favorite.
From traditional slow-cooker versions to spicy, southwest-inspired bowls, these recipes are easy to customize and packed with wholesome goodness. Plus, they’re perfect for batch cooking and freezing, making meal prep a breeze.
Ready to dive into these comforting soups? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetable beef soup is a perfect marriage of nutrition and flavor. You’ll love how the beef adds a rich, meaty depth to the broth while the fresh vegetables bring vibrant color, texture, and essential nutrients.
These recipes are flexible, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Additionally, these soups are great for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook. They can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, fitting neatly into your lifestyle.
Not to mention, they provide excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.
If you enjoy hearty, nutritious meals that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, these vegetable beef soup recipes will quickly become staples in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef chuck roast | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Carrots | 3 medium | Chopped |
| Celery stalks | 3 | Chopped |
| Yellow onion | 1 large | Diced |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Potatoes | 2 medium | Peel and dice |
| Green beans | 1 cup | Trimmed and cut |
| Diced tomatoes | 14.5 oz can | With juice |
| Beef broth | 6 cups | Low sodium recommended |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | For richness |
| Bay leaves | 2 | For aroma |
| Thyme | 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh | Herbaceous flavor |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For browning beef |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp chopped | For garnish |
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for extra depth of flavor.
- Deglaze and build the soup base: Pour in about 1 cup of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Return the beef to the pot along with the remaining broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Season and adjust: Remove bay leaves, taste the soup, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Finish and serve: Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, try browning the beef in batches, ensuring a good sear and caramelization.
Vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas can be added for variety and texture.
To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes. (Check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a fresh spice mix!)
To keep it gluten-free, ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Vitamin A | 85% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable beef soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm biscuit for dipping. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly.
For a lighter meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers and reheated on the stove or microwave. You can also freeze individual portions for up to three months, making it a great option for meal prep.
10 Delicious Variations of Vegetable Beef Soup
Classic Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Our base recipe above, featuring beef chuck, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans in a savory tomato broth.
Southwest Style Beef and Vegetable Soup
Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 cup corn kernels. Swap green beans for black beans.
Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
Brown beef and sauté veggies, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours for tender meat and deeply developed flavors.
Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup
Use the sauté function to brown beef and veggies, then pressure cook for 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Italian Style Beef and Vegetable Soup
Incorporate Italian seasoning, chopped zucchini, and cannellini beans. Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for a Mediterranean flair.
Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup
Add ½ cup pearl barley with the broth for a chewy texture and extra nutrition. This slow cooker version is extra filling.
Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Vegetable Soup
Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) and a splash of soy sauce. Add mushrooms and bok choy for an umami-packed bowl.
French-Style Beef and Vegetable Soup (Pot-au-Feu)
Use bouquet garni herbs and add leeks, turnips, and pearl onions. Serve broth separately as a consommé before the meat and veggies.
Beef and Sweet Potato Vegetable Soup
Substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a subtle warmth and sweetness.
Asian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Use ginger, garlic, and soy sauce in the broth. Add bok choy, mushrooms, and rice noodles for a comforting fusion soup.
Check out our Asian Vegetarian Main Course Recipes for Every Meal for more inspiration.
Conclusion
Vegetable beef soup is a versatile and comforting dish that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. With these 10 recipe variations, you can enjoy a new twist every time you make it, whether you prefer classic, spicy, or international flavors.
The combination of hearty beef and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and find your favorite version. Plus, these soups are excellent for meal prep and freezing, making busy days easier.
For more delicious and nutritious recipes, why not explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Here’s to cozy, flavorful bowls of soup that nourish your body and warm your heart all year round!
📖 Recipe Card: 10 Vegetable Beef Soup
Description: A hearty and nutritious soup loaded with 10 different vegetables and tender beef. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H10M
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef cubes.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, and green beans; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add corn, tomatoes, zucchini, and cabbage.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “10 Vegetable Beef Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious soup loaded with 10 different vegetables and tender beef. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H10M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H30M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 medium carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 cup green beans, chopped”, “1 cup corn kernels”, “1 cup diced tomatoes”, “1 cup zucchini, diced”, “1 cup cabbage, shredded”, “4 cups beef broth”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef cubes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, celery, and green beans; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add corn, tomatoes, zucchini, and cabbage.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until beef is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}
