Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. This timeless dish is packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.
It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories of home-cooked dinners and cozy evenings. If you’re looking for a comforting and nourishing soup, this recipe is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into the details!
1. Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 10 baby carrots (or a couple of regular carrots), sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (if you prefer)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (I use salt-free for a cleaner taste)
- 3 ½ cups beef broth (or two 14-ounce cans)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and chop the celery ribs and carrots into small, uniform pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes, and if you’re using regular carrots, slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step helps develop flavor, so take your time with it.
Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir them in and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. The aromas will be irresistible at this point.
Combine Broth and Tomatoes
Now, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine everything, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Season the Soup
Add the bay leaves, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce to the pot. Give everything another stir, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Add the Frozen Vegetables
About 10 minutes before the soup is done, add the frozen corn and peas. This gives them just enough time to cook without overcooking and losing their texture.
Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Now your hearty and delicious Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is ready to be enjoyed!
2. Tips for Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup
Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. It creates a rich base for the soup that enhances the overall flavor.
Cut Vegetables Evenly: Try to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This helps avoid some vegetables being overcooked while others are still hard.
Broth Choices: If you like a more intense flavor, use a richer beef broth or even make your own from scratch. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Add a Touch of Sweetness: Some people like to add a bit of sugar or a tablespoon of honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s an optional step but worth trying if you want a slightly sweeter soup.
Spice Level: The hot pepper sauce adds a nice kick to the soup. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your tolerance for heat.
3. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat the next day! This soup tends to taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
Storing: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For the microwave, reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 1–2 minutes to ensure even heating.
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a hearty, nourishing, and delicious meal, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
