Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe | Easy Comfort Food

Ever wanted a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and easy to make? This hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is perfect for you. It combines tender beef with colorful vegetables for a comforting dish great for any season.

This soup recipe has earned a high rating of 4.97 out of 5 stars from 192 reviews. It’s great for family dinners or meal prep, serving 8 people. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes and cook it in 1 hour 10 minutes, making a delicious meal in 1 hour 30 minutes.

This soup is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. It costs $11.13 for the whole recipe or $1.86 per serving. Plus, each serving has only 363 calories, making it a satisfying yet calorie-conscious choice.

Key Takeaways

• Highly rated recipe with 4.97 stars from 192 reviews
• Serves 8 with a total cooking time of 1 hour 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly at $1.86 per serving
• Nutritious meal with 363 calories per serving
• Customizable with various vegetables and cooking methods

Introduction to Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup is a classic comfort food that warms both body and soul. It combines tender beef with a mix of nutritious vegetables in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for cold days, offering a meal full of flavor and nutrients.

This soup includes beef stew meat, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. These ingredients make a rich base. Tomatoes, green beans, and herbs add more flavor. You can change the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Making this soup is easy, great for both new and skilled cooks. First, brown the meat, then sauté the vegetables. Finally, simmer everything together for a tasty, comforting meal. If you’re short on time, you can use a slow cooker version.

This soup is not just tasty but also healthy. A single serving gives you a good mix of protein, carbs, and vitamins and minerals. Its hearty nature and flexible ingredients make it a favorite at home.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup

Creating a hearty vegetable soup starts with picking the right ingredients. This recipe combines tender meat, nutrient-rich vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Together, they make a comforting meal.

Choosing the Right Beef Cut

For the best flavor and texture, choose beef stew meat with fatty marbling. This makes the meat juicy and tender in your soup. Chuck roast or well-marbled steak are great alternatives, adding richness to your soup.

Essential Vegetables

A mix of vegetables adds depth and nutrition to your soup. Key ingredients include:

• Yellow onion
• Green onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Green beans
• Potatoes (red or russet)

These vegetables add flavor and make the soup filling and satisfying. For a twist, consider adding corn or tomatoes to your soup.

Herbs and Seasonings

The right herbs and seasonings take your soup from good to great. Essential additions are:

• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper

These aromatics add depth and complexity to the broth. Every spoonful of your soup will be flavorful.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Making homemade vegetable beef soup is easy with the right tools. You’ll need a Dutch oven or stockpot for cooking. A chef’s knife and cutting board are key for prepping the veggies and beef.

Measuring cups help you get the right amount of each ingredient. A can opener is necessary for those diced tomatoes. A wooden spoon is great for stirring the soup as it cooks.

When it’s time to serve, use a ladle for steaming bowls of soup. Tongs are handy for handling the beef while it browns.

With these tools, you’re ready to make a tasty homemade vegetable beef soup. It serves 8 and makes about 4 quarts. The prep time is 40 minutes, and cooking takes 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Enjoy a comforting meal full of nutrients and flavor!

Preparation Steps

Making an easy vegetable beef soup is simple and delicious. Let’s go through the main steps to make this tasty meal.

Browning the Beef

Begin by searing your beef. Use stew meat or ground beef for this step. It locks in flavor and moisture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef until it’s browned on all sides.

This process makes your vegetable soup with beef even richer in taste.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Next, sauté your vegetables. Start with onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they’re soft and smell great. This step creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Don’t forget to add a splash of broth to the pan. It helps get all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to mix everything together. Put your browned beef, sautéed vegetables, and other ingredients in a big pot. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables.

Season with Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer. This lets all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Recipe for Vegetable Beef Soup

This hearty beef soup recipe combines tender chunks of beef with a mix of vegetables. It’s perfect for cold nights. This soup is both nutritious and filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thickly sliced
• 1 pound Russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 5 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 3/4 cup frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown in oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in potatoes, tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Add frozen vegetables and cook for 15 more minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

This beef soup recipe is easy on the wallet and keeps well in the freezer for 3 months. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Each serving has about 266 calories, 31g carbs, 26g protein, and 6g fat.

Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker

When making homemade vegetable beef soup, you can choose between stovetop or slow cooker methods. Both ways make delicious soup, but they vary in time and ease.

Stovetop Instructions

The stovetop method cooks your vegetable beef soup faster. Simmer it for 1-2 hours, stirring now and then. This lets you tweak flavors and check the soup’s consistency easily.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

For a no-fuss option, use the slow cooker. Just put all ingredients in and let it cook. It’s ready in 6-8 hours with tender beef and veggies.

Choosing either method, this vegetable beef soup recipe serves 6. Each serving has 232 calories, 21g carbs, 23g protein, and 6g fat. You can keep it in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for 3 months, ideal for meal prep.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetable Beef Soup

Healthy vegetable beef soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a meal that combines protein, carbs, and important nutrients. Let’s explore why it’s a great choice for your diet.

A single serving of this soup has about 325 calories. It’s packed with 31g of protein, which is key for fixing and building muscles. The soup also has 29g of carbs and 6g of fiber. These help with digestion and keep you feeling full.

This soup is low in fat, with just 10g per serving. It’s also low in cholesterol, with about 70mg per serving. The sodium level is moderate at 856mg, which can be adjusted if needed.

This soup is full of vitamins and minerals from its many ingredients. The lean beef adds iron and B vitamins. Carrots, celery, and potatoes bring vitamins and antioxidants. This soup is great for your health, especially when you’re fighting a cold or flu.

Customizing Your Soup

Creating a delicious vegetable beef soup recipe is just the start. This dish is versatile, letting you adjust it to your taste or dietary needs. It’s a great way to show off your cooking skills.

Vegetable Variations

Make your vegetable beef soup more exciting by trying new veggies. Add bell peppers for a sweet crunch, zucchini for a tender bite, or spinach for extra nutrients. These changes not only taste better but also make your soup healthier.

Protein Alternatives

Don’t stick to beef. Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or beans as protein sources. These choices add different flavors and textures, keeping the soup filling and tasty.

Flavor Enhancements

Boost your soup’s flavor with a few simple additions. A bit of balsamic vinegar adds depth, while herbs like rosemary or thyme bring aromatic notes. For spice, add red pepper flakes. Seasoning as you cook creates rich, layered flavors.

Customizing your vegetable beef soup turns cooking into a personal project. It’s perfect for using leftover veggies or meeting dietary needs. With so many options, every bowl can be a new culinary adventure.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your hearty vegetable soup or beef and vegetable soup is a meal in itself. But, pairing it with the right sides can make your dining experience even better. Out of 18 popular side dishes, 11 feature bread in some form.

Crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or homemade biscuits are great for dipping into the rich broth. For a lighter option, consider one of the 4 salad-related sides. A crisp green salad or a Caprese salad adds freshness to balance the hearty soup.

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, try zucchini noodles or quinoa as a base.

Here’s a quick guide to popular pairings:

• Bread-based options (7 out of 18)
• Grilled or toasted items (6 out of 18)
• Pasta or noodle dishes (4 out of 18)
• Dipping options (3 out of 18)

For a complete meal, serve your beef and vegetable soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread. These comfort food classics complement the soup’s rich flavors. Don’t forget to garnish your bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your homemade vegetable beef soup for days after cooking. Let’s explore the best practices for keeping your soup fresh and delicious.

Refrigeration Guidelines

After cooking your hearty vegetable beef soup, let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your soup will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Once cooled, transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. Your homemade vegetable beef soup can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. This is great for batch cooking or saving portions for busy days.

Best Reheating Practices

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, you have two reheating options. On the stovetop, warm it over medium heat in a covered pot until hot. Stir occasionally for even heating. For a quicker option, use the microwave. Heat in 60-second increments, stirring between each, until it’s heated through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to thin the soup.

Remember, your homemade vegetable beef soup is packed with nutrients. Each serving contains about 211 calories, 16.5g of protein, and 1.9g of fiber. It’s a nutritious meal that’s easy to store and reheat, perfect for busy schedules. For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup for a soup-themed dinner night.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Making a tasty easy vegetable beef soup doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With these smart tips, you can quickly prepare a filling meal even when you’re super busy.

Pre-cut vegetables are a big help. They cut down prep time a lot, letting you quickly add ingredients to the pot. Many grocery stores have pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery – great for your soup.

Browning beef ahead of time saves a lot of time. Cook a big batch on the weekend, divide it, and freeze it. Then, when you’re making your soup, just add a portion to the pot.

Slow cookers are perfect for busy people. Put your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, set it to low for 6 hours, and come home to a ready soup.

• Use frozen vegetables to cut down prep time
• Prep ingredients the night before
• Make a double batch and freeze half for later

This easy vegetable beef soup recipe makes about 8 servings and only needs 15 minutes of active prep. The rest is just simmering, giving you time to do other things while your dinner cooks.

Health Considerations and Dietary Adaptations

Our healthy vegetable beef soup recipe is easy to adjust for different diets. It has only 150 kcal per serving, making it great for those watching their calories. The recipe makes 4 servings and is ready in about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

For a lower-fat option, use lean beef or turkey instead of the 4 oz of butter or beef fat. If you prefer vegetarian beef soup, add more veggies or plant-based proteins. Using low-sodium broth and less salt can also cut down on sodium.

If you have food allergies or restrictions, don’t worry! This recipe can be changed for up to 10 different diets. Swap tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. For vegans, choose non-dairy milk. With 125 tasty, healthy recipes that focus on less saturated fats, refined grains, and sugar, this soup is perfect for any event.