Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup: A Hearty Classic

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless comfort food, perfect for cozying up on chilly nights. This soup combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that is full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting & Hearty: This soup is the definition of comfort food. It’s loaded with beef, vegetables, and a savory broth that fills you up and keeps you warm.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a classic that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Everyone loves a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup.
• Nutritious & Filling: With protein from the beef and fiber from the vegetables, this soup is both healthy and filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the green beans and set aside the peas.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic (optional) and cook for another minute.
4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (optional), potatoes, green beans, peas, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve

• Serving Tips: Serve hot in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
• Pairing: For a complete meal, serve with a tangy green salad and some warm bread for dipping.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add corn, peas, or any vegetables you have on hand to make this soup even heartier.
• For a Richer Broth: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to deepen the flavor of the broth.
• Make it Spicy: For a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Thicken the Soup: For a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes and stir them back into the soup.

Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients to your slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 6-8 hours for an easy, hands-off meal.
• Instant Pot Version: Set the Instant Pot to “sauté” to brown the beef, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra beans or lentils for protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, but stew meat provides a heartier texture. If using ground beef, brown it thoroughly before adding the vegetables and broth.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely! If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños to give it a kick.

Can I use other vegetables in the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. This hearty, flavorful soup is packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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