Nothing beats a bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup on a chilly day. Tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-infused broth come together in one comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later. It’s a timeless homemade soup that’s both filling and packed with flavor.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Course: Main Course, Soup
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1¾ cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
- 1¼ cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 3 ribs)
- 1½ tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 8 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound red or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1½ cups chopped green beans
- 1½ cups frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Brown half of the beef for about 4 minutes, turning once.
Transfer to a plate.
Add another ½ tablespoon olive oil and repeat with the remaining beef.
Step 2 – Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot.
Stir in:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3 – Build the Broth
Pour in:
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot.
Stir in:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil.
Step 4 – Simmer
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 5 – Add Potatoes
Stir in the cubed potatoes.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 6 – Add Green Beans
Add the green beans.
Continue simmering for another 15 minutes, until the potatoes, beans, and beef are fork tender.
Step 7 – Finish the Soup
Add:
- Frozen corn
- Frozen peas
Cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with:
- Warm crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Buttery crackers
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Tips for Success
- Brown the beef in small batches for the richest flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic—it adds depth to the broth.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Add frozen vegetables near the end to keep their color and texture.
- Let the soup rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for even better flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine everything except the corn, peas, and parsley in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, then stir in the frozen vegetables during the last 20 minutes.
What cut of beef works best?
Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or chuck shoulder are ideal because they become tender during slow simmering.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh corn, peas, or green beans all work well. Adjust cooking time as needed until they’re tender.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetable Beef Soup is classic comfort food at its finest. Loaded with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, potatoes, and a savory herb-infused broth, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for busy weeknights.
