There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup, especially when it’s cooked low and slow in a crockpot. This old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe slow cooker style brings together tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth in a way that makes any chilly day feel cozy and satisfying.
Whether you’re coming home from a long day or preparing a meal for the week ahead, this soup is both nourishing and easy to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the flavors beautifully over hours without you needing to hover by the stove.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep because it’s packed with nutrients, flavor, and that classic homemade taste that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Let’s dive in and make a pot of comforting, wholesome vegetable beef soup that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker vegetable beef soup is a true classic—simple, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Hands-off cooking: Just prep your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let time work its magic.
- Rich, comforting flavors: Tender beef and fresh vegetables simmer all day, creating a deeply satisfying broth.
- Nutritious and filling: Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a balanced meal in itself.
- Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, or add grains like barley for extra texture.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors only improve the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning beef)
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large skillet (for browning beef)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the soup. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Combine vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and stir in the tomato paste. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix and cook: Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
- Final touches: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
For an even richer flavor, brown the onions and garlic in the skillet after browning the beef before transferring everything to the slow cooker.
- Feel free to swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Adding barley, rice, or small pasta shapes like ditalini can make the soup more filling. Add these during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) near the end of cooking.
- Use fresh herbs if available—add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their flavor.
- To make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free, stick to natural beef broth and avoid adding pasta.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg (can be reduced with low-sodium broth) |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegetable beef soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings to make a complete meal:
- Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness
- Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup
For a filling winter meal, serve alongside A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try complementing it with a light bread from Alittleinsanitity.com Soft Gluten Free Vegan Bread Recipe.
Conclusion
This old fashioned vegetable beef soup made in the slow cooker is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors of the vegetables and broth into a rich, satisfying meal perfect for cooler days or whenever you crave something warm and nourishing.
It’s a wonderful recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights or meal prepping, offering leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Not only does this soup fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, but it also provides a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and fiber, making it a complete meal. If you love hearty soups, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful recipes like the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or the Best Vegetarian Creamy Soup Slow Cooker Recipes to Try.
Embrace the ease and flavor of slow cooker meals and enjoy this classic vegetable beef soup with your family and friends!
📖 Recipe Card: Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Slow Cooker
Description: A hearty and comforting vegetable beef soup slow-cooked to perfection. Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, green beans, and garlic.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with juice.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g
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