Delicious Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Introduction

A steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is a comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth and nourishment, perfect for cold days or a busy weeknight dinner. This classic soup, packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth, is the definition of comfort food. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish that can be made in a large batch, offering leftovers for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re craving a traditional beef soup or you’re just looking for something to bring the family together, this vegetable beef soup recipe is a winner.

A Brief History of Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup has been a staple in kitchens for generations, often passed down through families as a cherished recipe. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers and seasonal vegetables. In many cultures, it’s the soup that brings comfort when you’re under the weather, or simply as a way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients. The simplicity of the recipe—beef, vegetables, and broth—allows the flavors to shine, creating a dish that feels both timeless and universally loved.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe

To prepare this vegetable beef soup, you’ll need a combination of fresh vegetables, tender cuts of beef, and flavorful seasonings. The ingredients come together to create a deeply satisfying and delicious soup that will quickly become a favorite.

Main Ingredients:

1. Beef (Chuck Roast or Stew Meat) – 1.5 lbs: A great cut for soups, as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in broth.
2. Carrots – 3 medium, peeled and diced: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
3. Celery – 2 stalks, chopped: Provides crunch and an earthy flavor.
4. Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and diced: Adds heartiness and texture to the soup.
5. Onion – 1 large, diced: Enhances the depth of flavor.
6. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced: A key aromatic that adds fragrance and richness.
7. Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons: Adds a concentrated, umami-rich flavor to the broth.
8. Green Beans – 1 cup, chopped: Adds color, texture, and extra nutrition.
9. Frozen Corn – 1 cup: Adds sweetness and balance to the dish.
10. Beef Broth – 6 cups: Forms the base of the soup, giving it a rich, savory depth.
11. Bay Leaves – 2 leaves: Adds a subtle, aromatic note to the broth.
12. Dried Thyme – 1 tsp: Imparts a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
13. Salt & Pepper – To taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup.
14. Olive Oil – 2 tbsp: For sautéing the beef and vegetables.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• Parsley – Fresh, chopped, for garnish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tbsp, to add an extra layer of richness to the broth.
• Parsnips – 1, peeled and diced, for added sweetness and complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe

This easy vegetable beef soup recipe can be made in a large pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker. Below is the process for making it in a pot on the stove. Each step is critical in building the flavors and ensuring the beef turns out tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef chunks (either chuck roast or stew meat) and season with salt and pepper.
   • Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes on all sides until it develops a rich, golden crust. This step is essential to enhance the flavor of the meat and the soup overall.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside.
   • In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot and Add Tomato Paste:
   • Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes. This adds a deeper flavor and color to the broth.
   • If needed, pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
   • Add the bay leaves, thyme, and any additional seasonings (like Worcestershire sauce) and bring to a simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Add the Remaining Vegetables:
   • Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes, green beans, and frozen corn to the pot.
   • Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked through.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you like a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the potatoes with a fork or immersion blender.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with a slice of rustic bread or crackers on the side.

Tips for Making the Best Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe:

To make this beef soup recipe even more special, here are a few tips that will help you achieve the best results:

• Use Bone-In Beef: For an even richer broth, consider using bone-in beef cuts. This will provide additional collagen and nutrients that will make your broth even more flavorful.
• Let it Simmer Slowly: If you have time, let the soup simmer on a very low heat for an extended period. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender and infuses the broth with even more flavor.
• Add Herbs Early: If you’re adding fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), add them early in the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re using delicate herbs (like parsley or cilantro), add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
• Freezing and Storage: This vegetable beef soup freezes beautifully. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or water to restore the consistency.

Why This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Works:

This recipe works so well because it combines hearty, wholesome ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor and comfort. The beef becomes tender as it simmers in the broth, releasing its rich flavor into the soup. The vegetables add both color and nutrition, while the seasonings balance out the entire dish. It’s the perfect meal to make ahead, serve at a family dinner, or even bring to a gathering.

Conclusion:

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big pot of old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe. It’s a meal that brings people together and fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. This vegetable beef soup recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Its combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth makes it a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

With this recipe, you’re not just making soup—you’re creating memories, nourishing your body, and enjoying the timeless comfort that only homemade soup can provide. The rich, full-bodied broth and the hearty vegetables make each bite a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Enjoy a bowl of this good vegetable beef soup today, and let it become a beloved addition to your recipe collection!

Savor Eating