Best Beef Vegetable Soup Recipes for Cozy Family Dinners

There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade beef vegetable soup. On chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing meal to warm your soul, this classic recipe brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs for a flavor-packed experience.

Whether you grew up with the aroma of simmering soup in your family kitchen or are just discovering its magic, beef vegetable soup is a timeless staple across cultures and generations.

This recipe is designed to be both hearty and flexible, allowing you to use seasonal or leftover vegetables. The rich broth, infused with slow-cooked beef and aromatic herbs, is incredibly satisfying.

Each spoonful is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite for busy families. Read on for the best beef vegetable soup recipe, expert tips, and delicious variations to suit every taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich beef and a rainbow of vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
• Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add grains like barley or rice.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Soup stores and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches and dinners.
• Family Approved: Loved by kids and adults alike—serve with bread or on its own for a complete meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor!
• Great for using up leftover veggies and pantry staples.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best beef vegetable soup. Feel free to use this ingredient table for easy shopping and substitutions:

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot (at least 6 qt.)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot
• Optional: Soup storage containers (for leftovers)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef:

   Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and season with salt and pepper.

   Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove to a plate and set aside.

   Tip: Browning the beef adds a deep, savory flavor to the soup that you can’t achieve by simply boiling.

2. Sauté vegetables:

   In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent.

   Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

3. Return beef & add potatoes:

   Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, green beans, and tomato paste.

   Stir well to coat everything in the tomato paste, which helps build flavor.

4. Add broth and tomatoes:

   Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (with juice). Add bay leaves, thyme, and another pinch of salt and pepper.

   Stir to combine.

5. Simmer:

   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.

   For even more tender beef, simmer for up to 1 ½ hours. If using a slow cooker, transfer everything after step 4 and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

6. Add corn & adjust seasoning:

   Stir in the frozen corn and simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.

7. Finish & serve:

   Remove bay leaves. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

   Serve with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth labels to be sure.
• Switch up the veggies: Try adding peas, zucchini, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for a twist. Use up whatever is in your fridge!
• Boost the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami depth.
• For a thicker soup: Mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
• Make it in the slow cooker: Brown the beef and sauté vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
• Instant Pot option: Sauté and brown as directed using the Sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes and natural release.
• Don’t forget to check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas if you love hands-off cooking!
• Vegetarian option: If you want a meatless version, try our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for a delicious plant-based twist.
• Use leftovers creatively: This soup is great with leftover roast beef or steak. Just chop and add during the simmering step.

Expert Tip: “Letting your soup rest for a few hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen and meld. Reheat gently for an even tastier bowl the next day!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown per 2-cup serving of homemade beef vegetable soup:

Note: Values are approximate and will vary with specific ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread: Serve your beef vegetable soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a homemade loaf—try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves!
• Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this hearty soup.
• Cheese toast: Top slices of bread with sharp cheddar and broil until bubbly for a classic accompaniment.
• For a lighter meal: Serve smaller portions alongside Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for a global twist.
• Make it a feast: Add a simple dessert such as our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Beef vegetable soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of home cooking, comfort, and nourishment. Bringing together tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a delicious way to feed a crowd or stock your freezer with easy, healthy meals.

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; you can customize it with your favorite seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this beef vegetable soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, meal prepping, or sharing with friends and family.

Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own, and check out our other soup and vegetable recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking, and enjoy every nourishing spoonful!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Beef Vegetable Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful soup packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting family meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “3 cups beef broth”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained”, “2 potatoes, peeled and diced”, “1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add beef and cook until browned on all sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add potatoes, green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “24 g”}}