This hearty vegetable beef soup is packed with tender beef and a rainbow of colorful veggies. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days!
The best part? It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love loading my soup with extra veggies—because who doesn’t want more greens? 🌿
Making this soup is a breeze. Just toss all the ingredients in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy a cozy meal with your family. So good and so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast or round roast for a nice flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use lean ground beef or even chicken for a different twist.
Broth: Beef broth brings a rich taste to your soup. If you’re aiming for a lighter soup, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Homemade broth is always a great choice if you have it on hand!
Vegetables: This recipe is flexible! Feel free to swap in your favorite veg like zucchini or bell peppers. If you’re short on fresh vegetables, frozen ones work great and are super convenient.
Herbs: Dried herbs are included, but fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro can add a fresh burst of flavor. I love using fresh herbs as a garnish for that extra pop!
How Do I Brown the Beef Correctly?
Browning the beef is key for developing deep flavors in your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot pot! Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef in a single layer; don’t crowd the pot. If it’s crowded, it’ll steam instead of brown.
- Let it sit for 3-4 minutes before stirring. This allows a crust to form.
- Turn the beef until brown on all sides. Aim for about 5-7 minutes total.
Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside, to keep everything juicy and flavorful!
Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or tarragon for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious vegetable beef soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 to 1.5 hours to cook. The hands-on time is quick, but the simmering allows all those wonderful flavors to come together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the beef stew meat and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer for Tenderness:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
5. Add the Veggies:
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, and green beans. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is cooked through and tender.
6. Finish with Corn and Peas:
Stir in the corn and peas. Let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf and taste your soup. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or tarragon, if desired. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of vegetable beef soup with some crackers or crusty bread!
Enjoy every delicious spoonful of your homemade soup! 🍲
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or in cold water for a quicker option before browning. This ensures even cooking and allows for better flavor development.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef stew meat with hearty veggies like mushrooms or tempeh, and switch the beef broth for vegetable broth. You can also add beans for protein and keep all the other ingredients for a delicious vegetarian twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is very adaptable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables may need shorter cooking times to avoid becoming mushy.
