Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Cozy Homemade Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Steaming bowls of comfort burst with flavor when you add homemade beef vegetable soup to your meal plan.

Cold evenings call for rich, warming dishes that satisfy deep hunger.

This classic recipe blends tender beef chunks with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables.

Robust seasonings dance across your palate, creating layers of delicious complexity.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of protein and nutrients that nourish body and soul.

The soup cooks slowly, allowing ingredients to meld into a harmonious, hearty blend.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every comforting, delectable bite.

Ingredients That Make Beef Vegetable Soup and Filling

For Protein Base:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: Rich, marbled cut perfect for slow-cooking that becomes meltingly tender and adds deep flavor to the soup.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Yellow Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup foundation that builds a robust flavor base and provides delightful texture and nutritional complexity.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Beef Broth: Provides hearty liquid foundation with intense meaty undertones.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and subtle sweetness to balance the rich beef.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami depth and complex tangy notes.
For Herb Blend:
  • Dried Basil, Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that complement the beef and create a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
For Finishing Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Creamy, starchy vegetable that thickens the soup and provides satisfying substance.
  • Frozen Peas: Adds vibrant green color, sweet pop of flavor, and extra nutrition.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides a crisp finishing touch and visual appeal.
For Cooking Basics:
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment and adds subtle fruity undertone.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredients.

Soup-Making Tools for Delicious Beef Vegetable Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for searing beef and building the soup base, with heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery with precision.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely and cleanly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping delicious browned bits from pot bottom.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add herbs and seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls with minimal mess.
  • Tongs: Useful for handling and turning beef during searing process.

How to Prepare Beef Vegetable Soup for Family Meals

  • Create Flavor Foundations

Brown beef chunks in a sizzling pot, developing deep, rich tastes. Season generously with salt and pepper, letting each piece develop a gorgeous golden crust. Remove and set aside for later.

  • Awaken Vegetable Essences

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the same pot, allowing them to dance and soften. Splash in minced garlic, releasing its aromatic whispers throughout the kitchen.

  • Craft Liquid Symphony

Return beef to the pot, introducing potatoes, broth, tomatoes, and herbs. Let everything mingle and bubble, creating a harmonious blend. Simmer gently, allowing meat to become meltingly tender.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle in green peas during the last moments of cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring every spoonful sings with deliciousness.

  • Present Your Masterpiece

Ladle steaming soup into warm bowls. Offer alongside crusty bread for a comforting, soul-warming meal that speaks of home and hearth.

Flavor Swaps and Broth Tips for Beef Vegetable Soup

  • Let the beef marinate in Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and add deeper flavor complexity.
  • Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours, ensuring incredibly soft beef and rich-developed flavors.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's hearty texture and nutritional profile for keto and low-carb dieters.
  • Experiment with additional vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to increase nutritional value and create unique flavor dimensions in the soup.
  • Ensure all ingredients, particularly Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free bread or omit bread entirely for celiac-friendly preparation.

How to Serve Beef Vegetable Soup with Comforting Touches

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty beef vegetable soup with a thick slice of freshly baked sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those rich, savory flavors.
  • Winter Warming Meal: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust flavor profile and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Family-Style Feast: Top each serving with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the soup's creamy texture and add an extra layer of comfort.
  • Rustic Dining Experience: Complement the soup with homemade cornbread or buttermilk biscuits, creating a complete and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Store Beef Vegetable Soup for Cozy Leftovers

  • Keep leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture leakage.
  • Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Double the recipe and create multiple meals. Pack lunch portions in individual containers for quick grab-and-go options during busy workweeks. Soup tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

FAQs

  • What type of beef is best for this soup?

Chuck roast or stew meat work perfectly. They become tender during slow cooking and have great flavor when braised.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.

  • How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like green beans or corn. You can also include barley or small pasta to increase the soup’s substance and protein.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool the soup completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

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Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty beef vegetable soup blends rich meat flavors with garden-fresh ingredients for a comforting meal. Home cooks can savor this classic recipe that warms both body and soul with each nourishing spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb (454 g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz/396 g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat beef cubes with salt and pepper to enhance flavor penetration.
  2. Meat Searing: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, then carefully sear beef until a golden-brown crust forms on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Aromatic Base Creation: Remove beef and use the same pot to sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Liquid Integration: Return seared beef to the pot, then pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle dried basil, oregano, and thyme to build a robust flavor foundation.
  5. Potato and Pea Addition: Introduce cubed potatoes and stir thoroughly, allowing them to absorb the rich seasonings while creating a hearty texture.
  6. Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the soup to gently simmer for 50-55 minutes until beef becomes fork-tender and vegetables are perfectly cooked.
  7. Final Touches: Stir in frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving alongside crusty bread.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose chuck roast or stew beef with marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
  • Searing Technique: Brown meat thoroughly to develop deep caramelized edges, creating a robust flavor foundation that enhances the entire soup’s taste profile.
  • Herb Balance: Use fresh herbs if possible, as they provide more vibrant and complex flavor compared to dried alternatives, elevating the soup’s overall taste experience.
  • Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a gentle simmer instead of aggressive boiling to ensure meat becomes fork-tender without becoming tough or stringy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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