When the weather turns chilly and you crave something hearty and nourishing, nothing beats a warm bowl of beef and vegetable soup. Jamie Oliver’s version of this classic comfort food is renowned for its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simple preparation.
This recipe takes everyday vegetables and tender beef, simmering them slowly to create a soup that is both satisfying and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is versatile and sure to please everyone at the table.
What makes Jamie Oliver’s beef and vegetable soup stand out is the balance between the robust beef broth and the fresh, vibrant vegetables. It’s a perfect way to use seasonal produce and turn it into a soul-warming meal.
Plus, it’s quite forgiving, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and discover why it should be your next go-to soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef and vegetable soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth, while the medley of vegetables adds texture, color, and a natural sweetness.
The slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deep, savory broth that’s anything but bland.
Besides being incredibly tasty, this soup is also nutrient-dense, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, and the recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your favorite greens or root vegetables.
Jamie Oliver’s approach encourages using fresh herbs and a splash of acidity to brighten up the soup, so you get a perfect balance of hearty and fresh flavors.
Finally, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s ideal for batch cooking, freezer-friendly, and can be customized easily to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 500g beef chuck steak, cut into 2cm cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
- 1 litre beef stock (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 400g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Measuring spoons
- Peeler for vegetables
- Soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Heat the olive oil in your heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef: Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides until nicely caramelized. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently over medium heat until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in a splash of beef stock or water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all the tasty browned bits (this is packed with flavor!).
- Add the tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Let this mixture simmer for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Return beef and add stock: Add the seared beef back to the pot along with the remaining beef stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have deepened.
- Add the potatoes and parsnips: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the diced potatoes and parsnips. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are soft but still hold their shape.
- Season and finish: Remove the bay leaves, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice if using, which adds a lovely fresh brightness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
“Slow and steady wins the race” – Simmering the soup gently allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables to infuse the broth with incredible flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of homemade chili powder for a gentle kick.
- Swap the beef: For a leaner option, use beef brisket or stew meat. Alternatively, try lamb for a richer flavor.
- Add more greens: Stir in kale, spinach, or Swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Use seasonal veggies: This recipe is perfect for customizing with whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as turnips, sweet potatoes, or parsnips.
- Slow cooker option: Sear beef and sauté vegetables in a pan, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Make it a stew: For a thicker consistency, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to the soup and simmer until thickened.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty beef and vegetable soup is wonderfully versatile. Serve it with a slice of crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread to soak up the rich broth.
A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the soup.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked rice, barley, or small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also serve the soup alongside a warm baked potato or a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting lunch or dinner.
If you’re interested in exploring more vegetable-forward dishes or comforting soups, check out other fantastic recipes such as Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings or 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s beef and vegetable soup recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to deliver on comfort and flavor. Its rich broth, tender beef, and wholesome vegetables come together in a nourishing bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any day of the week.
This recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is easy to prepare and makes excellent leftovers or freezer meals. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables while getting a hearty dose of protein and nutrients.
Try it today and discover how a simple soup can become a family favorite. For more delicious recipes that focus on wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, visit our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe Jamie Oliver
Description: A hearty and nutritious beef and vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g stewing beef, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1.5 liters beef stock
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 100g green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced beef and brown on all sides.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Pour in chopped tomatoes and beef stock; bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add green beans and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 25 g
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