Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup
This vegetable beef soup offers a warm and satisfying meal that brings together tender beef and a mix of hearty vegetables, making it a favorite for anyone seeking a nutritious option. Its simple steps mean it’s easy to whip up on busy days while delivering plenty of health benefits from fresh veggies and protein-rich beef. Whether you’re a home cook or a busy parent, this recipe adapts to your needs and provides a delicious way to enjoy wholesome flavors.
One key reason to try this vegetable beef soup is its ease of preparation, which makes it ideal for weeknights when time is short. The straightforward cooking process requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the soup simmers. This recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated, appealing to students and working professionals alike.
Health benefits are another standout feature, as the soup is loaded with nutrient-packed ingredients that support a balanced diet. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans provide essential vitamins and fiber, while the beef adds protein to keep you full and energized. It’s a smart choice for diet-conscious individuals and seniors looking for meals that nourish the body without extra fuss.
Versatility stands out too, letting you tweak the recipe for various dietary preferences. You can swap ingredients to make it gluten-free or plant-based, which is great for families with diverse needs. This soup’s adaptability extends to food enthusiasts and travelers who appreciate meals that feel familiar yet customizable.
The distinctive flavor from the blend of savory beef and fresh herbs creates a comforting taste that sets it apart. Aromatics like garlic and onions build a rich base, enhanced by herbs such as basil and thyme. Baking enthusiasts might even experiment with it as a base for creative twists, making every bowl a joy to share around the table.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Vegetable Beef Soup
- 5. Mastering Vegetable Beef Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Vegetable Beef Soup: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Beef Soup
- 8. Vegetable Beef Soup
Essential Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a delicious vegetable beef soup. This section lists everything you need for the recipe, based on a reliable homemade version. I’ll format the ingredients as a clear, structured list to ensure you can easily measure and prepare them.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 3/4 cups yellow onion, chopped (about 1 large onion)
- 1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (3 medium stalks)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)
- 8 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green beans, trimmed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Besides these main items, consider special dietary options to customize your soup. For a vegan version, swap the beef stew meat with lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead. If you’re aiming for gluten-free, double-check that your broth and seasonings have no gluten. These adjustments make the soup accessible for busy parents or newlyweds managing different tastes at home.
How to Prepare the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful vegetable beef soup that impresses. We’ll use the ingredients listed above for a hearty result. This guide keeps things simple and straightforward, perfect for home cooks and students new to the kitchen.
First, gather and prepare all ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping the vegetables as needed. This prep work takes about 20 minutes and helps everything run smoothly. Having items ready makes the process less stressful for working professionals.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper, then brown half of it for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Remove the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef using 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, browned beef, basil, oregano, thyme, and season again with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the potatoes and simmer, covered, for 20 more minutes.
- Stir in the green beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until everything is tender.
- Finally, add the frozen corn and peas, cook for about 5 minutes until heated through, then mix in the fresh parsley and serve warm.
This method takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes for cooking, for a total time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. For more beef-based recipes like this, check out our creamy beef and bowtie pasta on the blog.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Vegetable Beef Soup
Adapting recipes to fit your lifestyle is easy with vegetable beef soup, and these swaps keep it tasty. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a diet-conscious individual, small changes can make a big difference. Let’s look at ways to modify the ingredients while maintaining flavor.
Protein and main component alternatives include replacing beef stew meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. You could also use lentils for a vegetarian option, which adds fiber and works well for busy parents. Another choice is cubed tofu, which soaks up the soup’s flavors nicely.
Vegetable and Seasoning Changes
Adjusting vegetables and seasonings offers more variety. For instance, swap green beans with zucchini if it’s in season, giving a fresh twist. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to make it vegetarian-friendly, which is helpful for travelers watching their options.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Option | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | Ground beef or lentils | Reduces cooking time or adds plant-based protein |
| Diced tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes | Enhances freshness for seniors preferring lighter flavors |
Experiment with herbs like rosemary instead of thyme to change the taste profile. These tips help newlyweds or baking enthusiasts personalize the soup without extra effort.
Mastering Vegetable Beef Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try these advanced ideas to elevate your vegetable beef soup. Brown the beef in batches for a deeper flavor, using a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking. Adding a bit of red wine can bring more depth, while smoked paprika adds a smoky note that food enthusiasts will love.
Flavor variations might include swapping dried herbs for 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, as suggested in the tips. Choosing beef with good marbling ensures tender results, and fresh versions of corn and peas add a crisp texture when included with the green beans.
This soup is versatile for slow cooker methods just brown the beef and veggies first, then cook on low for 6-7 hours before adding frozen items at the end for the best taste.
Presentation matters too; garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream. For make-ahead meals, prepare it a day early to let flavors blend, perfect for working professionals.
More Ideas for Variations
If you’re using ground beef instead of stew meat, skip the initial simmer to cut cooking time. This adaptation keeps the soup hearty yet quick, ideal for busy households. For a full meal, pair it with other recipes like our loaded baked potato chicken casserole.
How to Store Vegetable Beef Soup: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your vegetable beef soup fresh and safe to eat later. Refrigerate it in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days to preserve the flavors. Freezing in meal-sized portions can extend its shelf life to about 3 months, making it convenient for meal prep.
When reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove. Stir occasionally to keep the texture intact, which is helpful for seniors or families planning ahead. Always cool the soup quickly after cooking to avoid any issues, and label containers with dates for easy tracking.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Beef Soup
How do I make vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker?
To make vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker, start by browning the beef stew meat in a pan. Next, sauté chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender. Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, and your preferred seasonings. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the beef and potatoes are tender. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas and corn and cook until heated through.
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat in vegetable beef soup?
Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute for stew meat in vegetable beef soup. Since ground beef cooks faster, skip the initial slow simmer or browning step, and add the ground beef directly to the pot. Cook until browned and crumbly, then add your vegetables, broth, and potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes and vegetables are tender, usually about 30 to 40 minutes. This method reduces overall cooking time and keeps the soup flavorful.
What vegetables work best in traditional vegetable beef soup?
Common vegetables for a classic vegetable beef soup include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, green beans, peas, and corn. These vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the soup. You can also add tomatoes or tomato paste for acidity and richness. Avoid adding delicate vegetables like spinach or zucchini too early, as they can become mushy; add these in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
How long does vegetable beef soup keep in the fridge?
Vegetable beef soup can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. To maintain freshness, cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I make vegetable beef soup ahead of time?
Yes, vegetable beef soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the soup a day or two in advance and refrigerate it; flavors typically improve as they meld together overnight. Before serving, reheat the soup on the stove until hot. If using frozen vegetables, add them fresh just before reheating to retain texture. This makes it convenient for busy days or meal prep.
Vegetable Beef Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
🥕 This Vegetable Beef Soup is full of hearty vegetables and tender beef for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
🍲 It’s a comforting dish packed with protein and fiber, perfect for warming up any day.
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
– 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
– 1 3/4 cups yellow onion, chopped (about 1 large onion)
– 1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium carrots)
– 1 cup celery, chopped (3 medium stalks)
– 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)
– 8 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
– 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
– 1 1/2 cups chopped green beans, trimmed
– 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1-In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2-Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper, then brown half of it for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through.
3-Remove the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef using 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
4-Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 3 minutes.
5-Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
6-Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, browned beef, basil, oregano, thyme, and season again with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
7-Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8-Add the potatoes and simmer, covered, for 20 more minutes.
9-Stir in the green beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until everything is tender.
10-Finally, add the frozen corn and peas, cook for about 5 minutes until heated through, then mix in the fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
🥩 Choose stew meat with good marbling for more tender beef.
🌿 Italian seasoning can replace the basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
🔄 For slow cooker use, brown beef and sauté vegetables first, then cook all ingredients except frozen vegetables on low for 6-7 hours; add frozen veggies near the end.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
Keywords: Vegetable Beef Soup, Hearty Vegetable Soup, Tender Beef Soup, Nutritious Soup