Vegetable Beef Soup

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for a few minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Adding garlic at this stage also helps to release its aromatic oils, creating a flavorful base for the soup.

3. Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the pot, and add in the broth, tomato paste, and your herbs (bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary). Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.

4. Add the Remaining Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, add in the remaining vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, peas, and corn. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.

5. Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra depth. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaves and any tough herb stems. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for future meals.
• Use a slow cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can easily make vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients (except the fresh vegetables) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the fresh vegetables in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even butternut squash are excellent substitutions for potatoes. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables if you’re in a hurry.
• Beef options: If you’re using ground beef, you can skip the browning step and simply brown it in the pot with the vegetables. If you’re using stew meat or chuck roast, brown the beef first to lock in flavor.

Why You’ll Love Vegetable Beef Soup

This vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food—it’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. The tender beef combined with fresh, seasonal vegetables makes every spoonful a satisfying experience. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients or adding extra spices.

It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a wholesome option that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Pair it with a warm loaf of crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a warm, filling dish for a chilly day or preparing a meal for the whole family, vegetable beef soup checks all the boxes. It’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have in your pantry. With its unbeatable combination of flavors and comforting appeal, this soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting warmth and heartiness of homemade vegetable beef soup!