Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a heartwarming dish that blends tender beef with a bouquet of fresh vegetables, creating an aroma that beckons everyone to the table. This comforting recipe is a true embodiment of home-cooked goodness, perfect for those chilly days or when you simply need a little warmth in your soul. Each spoonful bursts with the rich flavors of beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, bringing a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously warming the heart and home. It’s a meal not just to fill the belly but to nourish the spirit. Why not indulge in this delightful dish that’s incredibly worth making?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is easy to prepare and perfect for families or gatherings. With minimal ingredients, it offers a straightforward cooking approach that even beginner cooks will find approachable. This traditional recipe embraces the beauty of wholesome ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. It’s a delightful way to use up those leftover veggies in your fridge, creating a fast yet extremely satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Ingredients
To create your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, gather these ingredients to make a soul-soothing bowl of comfort:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Perfectly cut into 1-inch cubes, this hearty meat is essential for rich flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and the perfect start to the cooking process.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a delicious aromatic base for the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Their robust characteristics elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- 4 cups beef broth: A flavorful foundation that enhances the overall taste.
- 2 cups water: Balances the richness of the broth.
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and moisture, making the soup vibrant.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Sweet and tender, they contribute an inviting texture.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: For crunch and aromatic richness.
- 2 potatoes, diced: Creamy and filling, they make the soup heartier.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped: Introduces a fresh, crisp texture.
- 1 cup peas: Little bursts of sweetness that elevate the dish.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses additional depth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another herb that lends an aromatic sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential accents to bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Directions
Sear the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat, cooking until browned on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the aroma wafts through the kitchen.Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth, water, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.Add Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add the fun part! Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, chopped green beans, peas, corn, bay leaf, thyme, and basil. Gently mix everything together for an explosion of vibrant colors.Season and Simmer
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, as the flavors continue to meld beautifully.Final Touches
Lastly, remove the bay leaf from the pot, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of comfort!
Tips & Tricks
- Chef’s Secret: For a deeper flavor, sear the beef in batches rather than overcrowding the pot.
- Optional Extras: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cooking Hack: If you want a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces against the pot’s side and stir them back into the soup.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be served in rustic bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or buttery rolls for an irresistible meal that warms the heart. You might also enjoy it with a light side salad to balance the hearty richness of the soup.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful soup is packed with nutrients while remaining low in calories. It’s a wholesome meal that offers protein from the beef, fiber from all the vegetables, and vitamins A and C. A typical serving contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free dish to indulge in.
Storing Tips & Variations For Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove. For a healthier twist, consider swapping in sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, or using leaner cuts of beef to reduce fat content.
Conclusion For Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
There’s nothing like the comfort of a warm bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, especially when shared with loved ones. Its rich flavors and heartiness make it a perfect recipe to try today. So gather your ingredients and start creating a pot full of joy!
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Can this recipe be made with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with chicken pieces, and adjust the broth accordingly for a lighter soup variation.
3. Is it possible to add noodles to the soup?
Certainly! If you want a heartier soup, feel free to add your favorite pasta about 20 minutes before serving.
4. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Ensure that the beef broth you use is gluten-free, and you can easily keep this recipe gluten-free without any additional changes.
5. Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just reheat before serving.
PrintOld Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
A heartwarming soup that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
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, undrained
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for about 4 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, water, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, bay leaf, thyme, and basil. Mix everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Notes
For deeper flavor, sear beef in batches. Try adding zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition. To thicken, mash some potato against the pot and stir back in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg






