I recently tried this soup, and honestly, my family was so impressed they swore I ordered it from a high-end gourmet restaurant. The rich flavors, the hearty beef, and the fresh vegetables come together in a way that’s comforting and elegant all at once. What’s best is that it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for any home cook who wants a wholesome meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this vegetable beef soup recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers big on taste, nutrition, and satisfaction.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to master this soup, from the ingredients and preparation to tips for perfecting the flavors. We’ll also explore the health benefits and some creative twists to make it your own.
Why This Vegetable Beef Soup Is a Game-Changer
Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warming, easy to digest, and flexible enough to adapt to different tastes and seasons. However, many vegetable soups can be bland or watery, and some beef soups can be overly heavy or greasy. This recipe strikes the perfect balance by combining tender beef stew meat with a variety of colorful vegetables, herbs, and a rich broth.
Here’s why this soup stands out:
- Hearty yet light: The beef provides protein and substance, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and a fresh contrast.
- Rich, deep flavor: Browning the beef properly unlocks a deep, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the soup.
- Balanced herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme add an aromatic complexity without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Versatile and customizable: You can swap in seasonal vegetables or add grains like barley for extra texture.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the mild but tasty broth, and adults appreciate the homemade touch.
- Economical: Uses affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
- One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This soup brings together wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 1 ½ lbs |
| Olive oil (divided) | 2 ½ Tbsp |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 ¾ cups (1 large) |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped | 1 ¼ cups (3 medium) |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup (3 medium) |
| Minced garlic | 1 ½ Tbsp (4 cloves) |
| Low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 (14 oz) cans |
| Dried basil | 1 ½ tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Red or yellow potatoes, chopped | 1 lb |
| Green beans, chopped | 1 ½ cups (5 oz) |
| Frozen corn | 1 ½ cups |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ⅓ cup |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
The secret to building rich flavor starts here. Use a large pot or Dutch oven and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry with paper towels — this helps it brown rather than steam. Season the meat with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Add half of the beef to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd it. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before turning to brown the other side. After about 4 minutes, the beef should be nicely browned. Remove the beef to a plate.
Add another half tablespoon of olive oil and repeat with the remaining beef. Browning in batches ensures a beautiful crust and deep flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is done, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. These form your classic “mirepoix,” a flavor foundation in many soups and stews.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
To capture every bit of flavor stuck to the bottom of the pot, pour in a splash of beef or chicken broth and scrape with a wooden spoon. This step releases the browned bits (“fond”) and incorporates their savory goodness into the soup base.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the remaining broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Green Beans
After the beef has softened, add the chopped potatoes and green beans. Continue simmering for another 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
Step 6: Add Frozen Corn and Peas
Finally, stir in the frozen corn and peas. These only need about 5-10 minutes to heat through and retain their bright color and sweet flavor.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Right before serving, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
click page 2 to continue
