A bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup offers the perfect combination of hearty beef, tender vegetables, and rich broth. It’s a classic comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or cozy family dinners. This soup uses simple ingredients like stew meat, potatoes, and mixed vegetables, simmered together in a flavorful beef broth. The result is a nourishing and filling dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, satisfying recipe.
1. Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb stew meat or 2 lb pot roast, cubed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, and peas)
- 3 large potatoes, diced
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Prepare the beef: If using pot roast, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Stew meat is typically pre-cubed and ready for cooking.
Sear the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup.
Season the beef: Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper as it browns. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Cook the onions: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. The onions will pick up the flavorful bits left in the pot from browning the beef.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the beef back to the pot: Return the browned beef to the pot with the onions.
Add the broth: Pour in 3 ½ cups of beef broth and stir to combine. The broth will form the base of the soup, providing rich flavor as the ingredients simmer.
Add the bouillon cube: Drop in 1 beef bouillon cube and stir until it dissolves. This will enhance the savory beef flavor.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the 14 oz can of petite diced tomatoes, including the juices. The tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
Add Worcestershire sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient adds a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the overall taste of the soup.
Add bay leaves: Place 2 bay leaves into the pot. These will infuse the soup with a mild herbal flavor as it simmers.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Vegetables
Add the potatoes: Dice 3 large potatoes into bite-sized chunks and add them to the pot. The potatoes will absorb the delicious flavors of the broth as they cook, making them soft and tender.
Add the mixed vegetables: Stir in 2 cups of mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, and peas). These vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the soup. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, depending on what you have on hand.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring to a boil: Once all the ingredients are in the pot, increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours. This gives the beef time to become tender, and the flavors will meld together as the soup cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Taste and adjust seasoning: After simmering, taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup: Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, the soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy while it’s hot.
Optional garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
2. Variations of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Beef and Barley Soup: For added heartiness, stir in ½ cup of pearl barley during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Barley adds a chewy texture and a wholesome, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables.
Italian-Style Vegetable Beef Soup: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and add a can of drained cannellini beans for a Tuscan twist. Finish the soup with a handful of fresh spinach or kale.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: Brown the beef and sauté the onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
3. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If the soup has thickened after storing, you can add a little more broth or water when reheating.
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless classic that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether it’s served as a main course or paired with a salad and bread, this warming soup is sure to become a family favorite.
