If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of tender beef and fresh vegetables, then this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with vibrant veggies, rich beef broth, and melt-in-your-mouth chunks of stew meat, this soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or want a nourishing lunch, this recipe delivers a wholesome punch of flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. From the savory beef and aromatic herbs to the colorful vegetables, each component adds taste, texture, and a delightful visual appeal.
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled pieces for juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the beef and layering in flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provide that classic aromatic base and light crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for adding warmth and complexity in seasoning.
- 8 cups beef broth: The rich liquid foundation that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice: Introduce acidity and vibrant red tones to brighten the soup.
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced: Soak up the broth and lend a silky texture.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Add freshness and a tender bite.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweet bursts that balance savory notes perfectly.
- 1 cup peas (frozen): Bring a delicate earthiness and cheerful green color.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates every spoonful.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal undertones with gentle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for rounding out flavors and enhancing the natural ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick of heat and spice balance.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Freshens the soup just before serving with a crisp finish.
How to Make Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef stew meat on all sides until it develops a beautiful brown crust, which locks in juices and builds a rich base flavor. This step takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to rest while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté these until they soften and release their natural sweetness, approximately 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook it just one minute longer, enough to release its fragrant aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Seasonings
Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the peeled, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. This combination forms the hearty, flavorful core of your soup.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Raise the heat just until the soup reaches a boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 full hour. This slow simmer tenderizes the beef while allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, cohesive broth.
Step 5: Add Final Vegetables
After the beef is tender, stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. Cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until these vegetables become tender but still vibrant, making each bite fresh and lively.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and refreshing flavor that brightens this classic soup perfectly.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top adds a pop of freshness that complements the deep, savory flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, a grating of sharp Parmesan cheese works like magic to elevate each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up that soul-soothing broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for an inviting, cozy presentation. Or, ladle it over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty stew-like dish that feels like a special treat any night of the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes incredible the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing any of its hearty charm.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides beef?
Absolutely! While beef gives this soup its signature richness, you can experiment with lamb or even turkey stew meat if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
Can I substitute different vegetables?
Yes! Seasonal favorites like zucchini, cabbage, or kale can be swapped in to keep the soup fresh year-round. Just add sturdier vegetables earlier and delicate greens toward the end of cooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use a certified gluten-free beef broth and avoid adding any pasta or barley. This makes it a cozy option for those on gluten-free diets.
How do I make the broth thicker?
For a heartier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste while the soup is simmering, or mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the broth without overpowering the flavors.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first for the best flavor, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and nourishment all in one bowl. It’s simple enough for any day but impressive enough to serve guests or enjoy as a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience the cozy joy it brings. Trust me, once you do, it will become a staple in your home just like it is in mine!
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Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef Vegetable Soup featuring tender beef stew meat, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth simmered to perfection. This classic American recipe is perfect for a nourishing meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Beef and Cooking Base
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Vegetables
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup peas (frozen)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the peeled and diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the green beans, corn kernels, and peas. Continue cooking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until these vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- For a thicker broth, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste while simmering.
- Potatoes can be substituted with barley, rice, or pasta according to your preference.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, ensure the beef broth used is certified gluten-free.
