Vegetable beef soup

Vegetable beef soup is one of those meals that feels steady and comforting, no matter the day. It’s made with tender beef, simple vegetables, and a broth that slowly turns rich as everything simmers together. People love it because it’s filling without being heavy and easy to stretch for the whole family. This vegetable beef soup fits perfectly into busy evenings, relaxed family meals, or cold nights when you want something warm and dependable. I usually start chopping vegetables while the pot heats, letting the process feel calm instead of rushed. It’s a practical, everyday soup that feels familiar and welcoming every time it’s served.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together comfort and practicality in one pot. The flavor is deep and savory, with soft vegetables and tender beef in every spoonful. It’s cozy and crowd-pleasing, making it great for family dinners or sharing. The steps are simple, which keeps it weeknight-friendly, and it doesn’t require constant attention once it starts simmering. It’s flexible enough to handle whatever vegetables you have on hand, which helps keep it budget-friendly. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it freezer-friendly and ideal for planning ahead. This vegetable beef soup recipe is one people save because it fits real schedules and real kitchens.

Ingredients

Tip: Use beef chuck or stew meat for tender pieces that soften nicely while simmering.

  • 1 pound beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup green beans
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation –
Cut the beef into small cubes and pat dry. Chop all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Keep everything ready near the stove to make cooking feel smooth and organized from the start.

See also  Healthy Soup Recipe

Step 2: Main Cooking Process –
Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef until it looks lightly golden and smells savory. Add onion and garlic, stirring until soft. Pour in broth and water, scraping the bottom gently as it simmers.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients –
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and tomatoes. Stir everything together so the vegetables settle into the broth. The soup should look colorful and full, with ingredients evenly spread through the pot.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer –
Season with salt and pepper, then let the soup simmer until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft. The broth will deepen in color and aroma. Turn off heat and let it rest briefly before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup works well for busy days because most of the cooking time is hands-off. Once everything is in the pot, it simmers quietly while you handle other tasks. It reheats well, stores easily, and makes enough for leftovers, which makes it perfect for Pinterest users saving meals to cook later.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef before adding liquid. Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. A quick sear adds depth to the broth and helps the meat hold its texture during simmering.
  • Cut vegetables into similar sizes. Uneven pieces cook at different speeds, which can leave some too soft and others undercooked. Keeping sizes close helps everything finish together.
  • Simmer gently, not rapidly. A fast boil can make the beef tough. A steady, low simmer allows the meat to soften and the flavors to blend naturally.
  • Taste near the end, not the beginning. As the soup reduces, flavors concentrate. Adjusting seasoning too early can lead to an overly salty soup later.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add extra beef or small pieces of cooked chicken for a heartier soup. Stir them in during the simmer so they warm through without drying out. This version works well as a complete meal with bread.

See also  Tomato Basil Soup

Vegetarian Option
Skip the beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra potatoes, beans, or lentils to keep the soup filling. The vegetables create a satisfying texture while keeping the soup simple and comforting.

Ingredient Swap
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add corn instead of green beans. These small changes keep the soup familiar while using what you already have in the kitchen.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a bay leaf or a pinch of dried thyme while simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving. These gentle herbs add warmth without overpowering the vegetables and beef.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Fresh Bread
    Serve the soup with warm bread or rolls for dipping. It turns the meal into a cozy dinner that feels complete and filling.
  • Family Dinner Bowls
    Ladle into large bowls and let everyone season their own. This keeps the meal relaxed and easy for family nights.
  • Simple Lunch Option
    Serve smaller portions with crackers or a side salad. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy, making it great for midday meals.
  • Cold Night Comfort
    Enjoy the soup hot with a warm drink nearby. It feels especially comforting on chilly evenings when you want something steady and familiar.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Let the soup cool completely before storing. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Stir before reheating to redistribute vegetables and broth evenly.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a small splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    This soup can be made a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day and easy to serve with minimal effort.
See also  Chicken taco soup

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains about 280–340 calories. Protein ranges from 18–24 grams per bowl. The soup provides iron from beef and fiber from vegetables. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better the next day.

Boiling too hard instead of simmering.

Yes, add them near the end.

Let it simmer longer uncovered.

Refrigerate or freeze in sealed containers.

Conclusion

Vegetable beef soup is the kind of recipe that quietly earns a place in regular meal plans. It’s simple, flexible, and comforting without being complicated. You can change the vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or make it ahead for busy days. This vegetable beef soup fits everyday routines and still feels satisfying when served. Whether it’s fresh from the pot or reheated later, it brings warmth and balance to the table, which is often exactly what a home-cooked meal should do.

Vegetable beef soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Hearty vegetable beef soup made with tender meat and simple vegetables.
A warm, filling meal perfect for family dinners and leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef stew meat

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 2 potatoes, diced

  • 1 cup green beans

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

  • Salt and black pepper

Directions

  • Heat oil in a pot and brown the beef.
  • Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  • Pour in broth and water. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add vegetables and tomatoes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer until beef and vegetables are tender.
  • Rest briefly, then serve warm.

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