Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish to serve during a family gathering, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its warm, nourishing flavors are especially suited for cooler months, making it a wonderful choice for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas when you want something simple yet comforting to serve alongside your feasts. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to create a wholesome, homemade meal with minimal effort while still impressing your guests or family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a complete meal in one pot. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth results in a dish that is both nutritious and filling. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it can be easily customized to suit any dietary needs or preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish, as the flavors only improve with time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or any preferred cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the soup by caramelizing the meat. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium, add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Build the soup base: Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and corn. Cover the pot and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
- Make it in advance: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal recipe to prepare ahead of time for a gathering or busy week. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the beef stew meat for ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use vegetable broth and omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Low-carb option: If you’re cutting back on carbs, simply omit the potatoes and replace them with additional vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
- Adding grains: If you want to bulk up the soup even more, add some cooked barley, quinoa, or pasta for added texture and heartiness.
- Slow cooker adaptation: To make this in a slow cooker, simply brown the beef, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is best served with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth. You can also pair it with a light green salad for a balanced meal. For holiday meals, consider serving it as a first course before the main dish or alongside other side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
Not only is this soup easy to make, but it also appeals to a wide variety of tastes and dietary needs. It’s a filling, nutritious dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, meats, or grains. Plus, its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weeknights or as a low-stress option during the holidays when you have many other dishes to prepare. The ingredients are affordable, and most are pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up this soup without a trip to the grocery store.
FAQs and Variations
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup? Yes! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver. You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables for fresh ones. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as frozen vegetables require less time to cook.
2. Can I freeze Vegetable Beef Soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? To make a vegan version, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add more vegetables or legumes like lentils or chickpeas to make the soup hearty.
4. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup? Yes, adding pasta or rice can make the soup even more filling. If using pasta, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook. If using rice, you may want to pre-cook it and stir it in at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. What other proteins can I use instead of beef? You can substitute the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor. For a vegetarian protein, try adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe Will Be a Hit
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Its wholesome, hearty flavors are universally loved, and the flexibility of the ingredients allows you to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a holiday meal or a main course for a family dinner, this soup will leave everyone feeling satisfied and comforted. Plus, with the option to make it in advance, you can enjoy more time with your loved ones while still serving a delicious homemade meal.