Beef and Veg Soup Recipe UK: Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

When the chilly British weather sets in, nothing warms you up quite like a hearty bowl of homemade beef and vegetable soup. This classic UK comfort food combines tender chunks of beef with a vibrant mix of garden-fresh vegetables, simmered slowly to create a rich, flavoursome broth.

Whether you’re looking for a nourishing family meal or a simple dish to batch cook and enjoy throughout the week, this beef and veg soup recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s wholesome, packed with nutrients, and wonderfully satisfying.

With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks will find this recipe approachable. Plus, it’s highly adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for seasonal variations.

Let’s dive right in and make a delicious pot of traditional British beef and vegetable soup that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and veg soup is a timeless classic, beloved across the UK for good reason. It’s:

• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the vegetables.
• Comforting: A warm, filling meal perfect for cold days.
• Flexible: Easily customised with your favourite veggies or herbs.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy, making it a staple to keep in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 500g stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
• 1 litre beef stock (preferably low salt)
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or stockpot
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring jug
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat dry the stewing beef cubes with kitchen paper to ensure a good sear.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in your large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown them on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook gently for 5 minutes or until softened but not browned.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, parsnip, and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Return beef and add liquids: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef stock and canned tomatoes. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme.
6. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover partially with a lid. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf. Taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer flavour, try browning the beef in batches and deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the stock.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to include other vegetables like peas, green beans, or leeks depending on seasonality and preference.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
• Thickening the soup: Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to create a thicker consistency.
• Herb alternatives: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a bouquet garni for more herbal depth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your beef and veg soup with some crusty bread or traditional British soda bread to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad adds a nice contrast and freshness.

For a full meal, pair it with a comforting dessert like a classic apple crumble or try a rich chocolate treat.

Looking to explore more hearty meals? You might enjoy our Leftover Beef Rib Recipes, ideal for using up extra meat, or warm up with a delicious Lil Smokies Chili Recipe that brings a bit of spice to the table.

For a sweet finish, don’t miss the Marzipan Challah Recipe, perfect for dipping into your soup broth or enjoying as a side.

Conclusion

This beef and vegetable soup recipe is a true British classic that’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Its rich flavours and hearty ingredients make it a perfect go-to meal for colder months or whenever you need some soul-warming comfort food.

The combination of tender beef and fresh vegetables makes it not only delicious but also a balanced, nutritious option for family dinners. Don’t forget that this soup tastes even better the next day, making it a smart choice for meal prep and leftovers.

Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your favourite homemade soup for years to come.

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