Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe | Hearty Meal

Ever felt like some meals just hug you with warmth? The classic beef soup might be the reason. It’s more than food; it’s a trip back to grandma’s kitchen, filled with love.

This old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe is all about simple, rich flavors. It turns basic ingredients into a soul-warming dish ideal for cold nights. With tender beef, a mix of veggies, and a deep tomato-beef broth, it’s a meal on its own.

It’s quick to make, ready in about two hours, and serves six generously. It’s also easy on the wallet but doesn’t cut corners on flavor or health benefits. You can tweak the recipe with what you have at home, making it super versatile.

Key Takeaways

• Hearty and comforting meal perfect for cold days
• Uses simple ingredients like beef stew meat and various vegetables
• Ready in about 2 hours, serving 6 portions
• Versatile recipe allowing for ingredient adjustments
• Rich in nutrients and flavor, making it a complete meal
• Can be stored and reheated, perfect for meal prep

Introduction to Classic Beef and Vegetable Soup

Grandma’s vegetable beef soup is a classic comfort food. It warms the heart and soul. The soup has tender beef and colorful vegetables in a rich broth. It’s perfect for cold days, filling the kitchen with a delicious smell that calls everyone to the table.

The main ingredient is a 2-pound beef stew meat or chuck roast. It’s known for its rich taste and tender texture when slow-cooked. The beef cooks in a mix of tomato juice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. This creates a deep, satisfying base for the soup.

Various vegetables add nutrition and texture. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are the main ones. You can also add mixed vegetables for more color and taste. The chunky vegetable beef soup is versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or use what you have at home.

“This soup is like a warm hug from grandma – comforting, nourishing, and filled with love in every spoonful.”

This soup is not just tasty but also healthy. It has protein, carbs, and vitamins. It’s a complete meal that’s both filling and good for you.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Vegetable Beef Soup

Starting with the right ingredients is key to making a tasty beef and veggie soup. This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare. Let’s look at the main parts that make this soup so good.

Meat and Broth Components

The base of this soup is 1 ½ pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into small pieces. For the broth, you’ll need 5 cups of unsalted or low-sodium beef broth. Together, they create a rich, flavorful stock that’s the heart of your soup.

Essential Vegetables

Adding a mix of vegetables makes your beef and veggie soup nutritious and tasty. You’ll need:

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 medium carrots
• 2 celery ribs
• 1 pound of Russet potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• ¾ cup frozen green beans
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup frozen corn

Herbs and Seasonings

To boost the flavors, add these seasonings:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Creole seasoning (all-purpose seasoning)
• Italian seasoning
• Bay leaf

With these ingredients, you’re set to make a comforting and nutritious beef and veggie soup. It’s perfect for any event.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

For an old fashioned vegetable beef soup, you’ll need some key tools. A large Dutch oven or stockpot is a must for this hearty dish. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for chopping veggies and meat.

Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for the right amounts of ingredients. These tools are crucial for making your soup turn out great.

A sturdy wooden spoon is great for stirring and breaking up ground beef. A soup ladle is perfect for skimming off fat and serving the soup. And, a can opener is needed for canned items like tomatoes.

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Soup ladle
• Can opener

With these kitchen essentials, you’re set to make a tasty vegetable beef soup. The right tools make cooking easier and more fun. Remember, a great soup begins with the right preparation and tools.

Preparation Steps for Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew

Creating a delicious hearty vegetable beef stew begins with proper preparation. This classic comfort food needs careful attention to detail. Let’s go through the essential steps to make this chunky vegetable beef soup.

Cutting and Chopping Techniques

Start by cutting the beef into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. This makes sure the meat cooks evenly and stays tender. Then, chop your vegetables into similar sizes for a balanced stew.

Browning the Beef

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and brown them on all sides. This takes about 5-7 minutes and is key for rich flavors in your stew. After browning, set the beef aside.

Sautéing Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onions and celery until they’re golden, about 10 minutes. This step lays a flavorful base for your stew. Add minced garlic for an extra aroma during the last minute.

Cooking Process for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Making old fashioned vegetable beef soup is a fun task. It combines tender meat with various veggies for a filling meal.

Begin by putting the browned beef back in the pot. Then, add water, beef broth, and stewed tomatoes. Next, add chopped carrots, potatoes, and corn. Remember to include bay leaves and minced garlic for more taste.

Let the mix boil, then lower the heat. Simmer it uncovered for about an hour. This slow cooking blends the flavors well. Add peas and some hot sauce for extra zest. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes until the beef is tender.

“The key to a perfect old fashioned vegetable beef soup is patience. Let it simmer low and slow for the best flavors.”

If you’re in a hurry, try making this soup in a slow cooker. Just put all the ingredients in your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll get a rich, flavorful soup that’s worth waiting for.

Simmering Time and Temperature Guidelines

Making the perfect slow cooked beef vegetable soup takes patience and precision. The simmering process is key for a great stew. It’s important to simmer gently, not boil, to get rich flavors and tender meat.

For the best results, cook at a low heat for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time lets the flavors blend and the beef get tender. Keep an eye on the heat to keep it steady throughout.

When using beef chuck or stew meat, aim for a cooking temperature of 300°F if you’re using an oven. For stovetop, keep the heat low for a gentle simmer. This slow cooking breaks down the meat’s connective tissues, making it tender and juicy.

Add vegetables at different times based on how long they cook. Put in root vegetables early and add peas later. This way, everything in your stew will be perfectly cooked.

Adding Vegetables at the Right Moment

Creating the perfect chunky vegetable beef soup takes careful timing. Adding ingredients at the right time makes your soup full of flavor and texture.

Root Vegetables First

Begin by adding strong root vegetables to your soup. Carrots and potatoes take about two hours to soften well. They become the base of your soup, soaking up flavors from the beef broth.

Timing for Tender Veggies

Add softer veggies like green beans and cabbage 45 minutes before you serve. This lets them cook just right without getting mushy. If your soup gets too thick, add water 30-45 minutes before you finish.

Last-Minute Additions

Put in quick-cooking vegetables in the last 5-10 minutes. Peas and corn stay crisp and colorful if added late. This keeps their nutrients and stops them from overcooking.

By adding vegetables at different times, you’ll make a beef soup with perfectly cooked ingredients. Every spoonful will be a mix of tasty textures and flavors.

Seasoning and Flavor Adjustments

Making the perfect classic beef soup takes careful seasoning. In our recipe, we add flavors at different stages. This makes the soup rich and balanced, making everyone want more.

Begin by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper before browning. This step keeps the flavor in and sets a savory base. Then, add herbs like bay leaves and minced garlic to the broth. These add depth and complexity.

For a unique taste, add 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. It boosts the meat flavor and adds a tangy touch. If you like a bit of sweetness, mix in 1 teaspoon of sugar.

While the soup cooks, taste it and adjust the seasoning. You might need more salt, pepper, or hot sauce. The aim is to mix flavors that go well with the beef and veggies.

• Season beef before browning
• Add herbs early in cooking
• Enhance with Worcestershire sauce
• Adjust seasoning before serving

Follow these tips to make your classic beef soup full of flavor. This recipe will become a hit with your family, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Chunky Vegetable Beef Soup

Enjoy a warm bowl of hearty vegetable beef stew. It’s a complete meal with 363 calories, 19g of protein, and 5g of fiber per serving. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet at just $1.86 per serving.

Make your soup even better with these tasty pairings:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• Buttermilk biscuits on the side
• Crispy crackers for added crunch

Boost the flavor and look of your soup with these garnishes:

• Shaved Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• A dollop of sour cream
• Crunchy croutons for texture

Pair your soup with a light salad for a well-rounded meal. This combo is both healthy and tasty. It has a high rating of 4.74 out of 5 from 26 votes, making it a hit with families.

Add more potatoes and a can of diced tomatoes to stretch your meal to 6 servings. Leftovers can be stored in pint-size mason jars for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can enjoy this comforting soup longer.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Soup

After enjoying your old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe, you might have leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can savor this beef and veggie soup later. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your soup fresh and tasty.

Refrigeration Tips

Store your vegetable beef soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Creamy soups last about 3 days, while clear broths can go up to 5 days. For quick cooling, use ice baths before refrigerating large batches.

Freezing Methods

Freeze your soup for longer storage. Leave an inch of space in containers for expansion. Properly frozen, your beef and veggie soup lasts up to 3 months. Label containers with dates for easy tracking. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups as they may become grainy when thawed.

Best Practices for Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove, stirring often. For clear broths, bring to a boil for 3 minutes to kill bacteria. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add fresh broth if needed to adjust thickness. For best texture, add pasta or rice after reheating.

Nutritional Benefits of Beef and Veggie Soup

Beef and veggie soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a meal that combines protein, carbs, and vitamins. Each serving has 344 calories, making it a good choice for managing weight.

This soup is high in protein, with 28 grams per serving. This helps with muscle health and keeps you feeling full. It also has 31 grams of carbs and 7 grams of fiber. Plus, it has 14 grams of fat, with only 6 grams being the bad kind.

This soup is full of vitamins and minerals. It’s packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which help your immune system and skin. It also has iron for healthy blood cells and potassium for your heart and muscles.

If you’re on a low-carb diet, this beef and veggie soup is a great choice. It has less than 6 net carbs per serving. By removing carrots, you can cut the carbs to about 4 per serving. This soup is a delicious and healthy meal option that supports your health and satisfies your hunger.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Spice up your classic beef soup with exciting twists! Try using different cuts of beef like chuck roast or lean ground beef for unique textures. Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness. For a richer vegetable loaded beef soup, toss in seasonal veggies like turnips or kale.

Want to elevate the flavor? Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to your classic beef soup. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant boost. For a smoky kick, sprinkle in some paprika. Chicken barley soup fans can even adapt these ideas to their favorite recipe.

Here’s a quick guide to customizing your soup:

• Beef options: ground beef, chuck roast, stew meat
• Veggie add-ins: sweet potatoes, turnips, kale, zucchini
• Flavor enhancers: red wine, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce
• Herbs and spices: thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning

Remember, cooking times may vary based on your chosen ingredients. For instance, ground beef cooks faster than chuck roast. Fresh veggies might need less time than frozen ones. Adjust accordingly to keep your vegetable loaded beef soup perfectly balanced.

“The beauty of soup making is in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!”

With these variations, you can enjoy a new twist on your classic beef soup every time you make it. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Adaptation for Vegetable Loaded Beef Soup

Make your vegetable loaded beef soup easy with a slow cooker. It’s great for busy days, giving you a tasty dish with little work. The slow cooking blends flavors well, making a filling soup.

Begin by browning 2 pounds of lean ground beef in a pan. This step makes the meat taste better. Then, cook onions and garlic until they’re soft. Put these into your slow cooker with root veggies, diced tomatoes, and broth.

Set your slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. An hour before you serve, add veggies like peas or zucchini. This keeps them tender but not mushy. Season with oregano, thyme, and bay leaf for more flavor.

“This vegetable loaded beef soup is amazing! So easy to make in the slow cooker and tastes fantastic.” – Brooke, 5-star review

This recipe makes 8 servings, each with 21g of protein and 229 calories. It’s a healthy choice that keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. It’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Pairing Wines with Your Hearty Soup

Make your classic beef soup even better with the right wine. For hearty vegetable beef stew, rich red wines are perfect. Cabernet Sauvignon is a top pick, with its bold taste and high tannins that go well with the beef.

If you like lighter wines, Pinot Noir is a great choice. It’s versatile and pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, making it perfect for beef stew. For white wine fans, a full-bodied Chardonnay can balance the richness of your stew.

When it comes to specific soups, try these wine pairings: Tempranillo, especially Rioja Reserva, goes well with Chili Con Carne. Medium-bodied Chilean Carménère is great with Beef Stew. For French Onion Soup, a light and fruity Cru Beaujolais is ideal. The right wine can turn your soup into a gourmet meal.