Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup captures the essence of comfort food, making it the ideal dish for chilly nights or when you’re craving a hearty meal. This recipe not only warms your heart and soul but also fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that evoke memories of home.
With tender chunks of beef nestled among an array of vibrant vegetables, each spoonful is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Dive into this step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of this classic soup, and discover why it’s worth making time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a myriad of benefits, making it a perfect choice for busy families and individuals alike. Easy prep is essential in our fast-paced lives, and Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup checks that box perfectly. With minimal ingredients needed and straightforward steps to follow, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a warm bowl of goodness with your loved ones. The traditional nature of this soup means it resonates with all ages; kids will appreciate the colorful vegetables, while adults will enjoy the depth of flavor from the seasoned beef.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
To create this comforting soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes, this hearty meat will become tender and succulent during cooking.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat option, it brings richness to the soup while sautéing ingredients.
- 1 large onion: Chopped for a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic kick.
- 4 cups beef broth: The base that infuses the soup with savory goodness.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth for the perfect consistency.
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes: Adds a burst of flavor and acidity.
- 3 carrots: Sliced to offer natural sweetness and color.
- 3 celery stalks: Sliced for that signature crunch and freshness.
- 2 potatoes: Diced for heartiness with a creamy texture once cooked.
- 1 cup green beans: Trimmed and chopped for vibrant green color and crunch.
- 1 cup peas: For sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Adds a delightful pop and sweetness.
- 1 bay leaf: A must for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Imparts a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Directions for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, enhancing the base of your soup.
- Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all flavors to meld.
- Mix in the Vegetables: Sprinkle in the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, bay leaf, thyme, and basil. Stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season: Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, allowing it to develop its savory profile.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender.
- Final Touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve Hot: Serve your soup steaming hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, consider a few helpful tips. For a deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. You can also enhance the dish by adding your favorite spices or herbs; a pinch of smoked paprika can add a hint of smokiness. If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the mix. This soup is versatile—try incorporating seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand to customize it to your family’s preferences.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with freshly baked bread such as sourdough or a hearty loaf adds a beautiful touch. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette serves as a refreshing contrast. Or, for a cozy meal, serve it alongside toasted garlic bread. A dollop of homemade pesto or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate flavors while adding a gourmet twist to this everyday dish.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values may vary based on portions and additional ingredients used, a typical serving of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup contains approximately 300-400 calories per bowl. It’s rich in protein from the beef and packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Ideal for those looking for a hearty yet nutritious meal, enjoy each spoonful knowing you’re nourishing your body.
Storing Tips & Variations for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Store leftover Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully—portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the consistency. For healthier variations, you might swap out starchy potatoes for cauliflower or use leaner cuts of beef to reduce calories.
Conclusion for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Don’t wait to give this Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup a try! With its hearty ingredients and wholesome flavors, it’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings family and friends together. Prepare it today and enjoy the warm embrace of this timeless recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover cooked beef in this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked beef is a great way to save time. Just add it towards the end of the cooking process to warm it through.
2. Is it okay to use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient option! However, adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re heated through.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
To add a bit of heat, consider including red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give your soup a nice kick!
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Just brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. What kind of bread pairs best with this soup?
A crusty baguette or sourdough bread works beautifully! It’s perfect for dipping, ensuring you enjoy every last bite of the delicious soup.
Print
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty vegetable beef soup perfect for chilly nights, filled with tender chunks of beef and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Sprinkle in the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, bay leaf, thyme, and basil. Stir to combine.
- Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve your soup steaming hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Feel free to add spices or seasonal vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
