Vegetable Beef Soup
Introduction
Hearty, comforting, and deeply nourishing, Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless dish that warms both heart and home. Made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and wholesome nutrition. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The roots of Vegetable Beef Soup trace back to old-fashioned farmhouse kitchens where resourcefulness met nourishment. Families often combined leftover roasted beef with garden vegetables and homemade broth to create a meal that stretched ingredients while delivering comfort. Over time, it became a staple across America and Europe, celebrated for its adaptability — no two pots were ever quite the same. Today, it symbolizes simplicity, warmth, and the enduring tradition of homemade, slow-simmered meals shared with loved ones.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat
- 2 ½ Tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ¾ cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
- 1 ¼ cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium)
- 1 cup chopped celery (3 medium)
- 1 ½ Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 8 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups (5 oz) chopped green beans (trim ends first)
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Additions
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
- Umami Depth: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce.
- Grain Addition: Add cooked barley, rice, or small pasta for extra heartiness.
- Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or bay leaves can enhance the flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Sear the beef well – Browning the meat develops deep, savory flavor before simmering.
- Layer the vegetables – Add firm veggies (like carrots and potatoes) first, and delicate ones (like peas and green beans) later to avoid overcooking.
- Simmer gently – Slow simmering allows flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Taste and adjust – Always season at the end to balance salt and acidity from tomatoes.
- Make ahead – The flavors deepen beautifully when reheated the next day.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Add half the beef and sear until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and repeat with remaining beef using another tablespoon of oil. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add remaining ½ Tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. - Simmer the Soup:
Return the beef to the pot. Add broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes, or until beef is tender. - Add Vegetables:
Stir in potatoes and green beans. Continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. - Finish the Soup:
Add corn, peas, and parsley. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Serve:
Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or biscuits for a complete, cozy meal.
Description
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a vibrant medley of tender beef chunks, soft potatoes, and colorful vegetables swimming in a flavorful herb-infused broth. Each spoonful delivers comfort and satisfaction — the richness of the beef balanced by the garden-fresh sweetness of the vegetables. It’s rustic, filling, and nourishing, embodying the essence of homemade goodness.
Nutritional Information (Per serving – approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Sugars: 6 g
(Values vary depending on broth and ingredient brands used.)
Conclusion
Vegetable Beef Soup is more than a meal — it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something nourishing yet uncomplicated, it brings warmth and flavor in every spoonful. Its versatility makes it ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or sharing with neighbors during the colder months.
Recommendation
Pair this soup with buttermilk biscuits, crusty artisan bread, or a simple green salad. For a heartier feast, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top or serve with a side of mashed potatoes.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While deeply satisfying, this recipe also supports mindful eating. Use lean beef cuts, low-sodium broth, and olive oil for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor. The abundance of vegetables ensures plenty of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants — proof that comfort food can also be wholesome and nourishing.
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