Old fashioned vegetable beef soup has a magical way of bringing people together, doesn’t it? For me, it’s pure nostalgia in a bowl, instantly whisking me back to cozy evenings at my grandma’s house. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a truly homemade vegetable beef soup, brimming with fork-tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, sweet peas, and a rich, savory broth infused with tomato goodness. Making this classic vegetable beef soup from scratch fills your home with an aroma that promises warmth and satisfaction. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl! You’ll adore this recipe because:

It’s incredibly delicious, packed with savory beef and tender vegetables.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weeknights.
It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days or any time you need a warm meal.
It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Your whole family will devour this hearty vegetable beef soup – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This versatile beef and vegetable soup is fantastic for meal prep.
The rich, tomato-infused broth is simply irresistible.
It brings a taste of nostalgic, home-cooked goodness to your table.

Ingredients for Authentic Vegetable Beef Soup

Making this delicious vegetable beef soup from scratch is a labor of love that’s totally worth it. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ pounds beef stew meat chuck or round, cut into bite-sized cubes for tenderness.
8 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred) – this forms the rich, savory base of our soup.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for that umami depth.
1 bay leaf to infuse subtle aromatic notes.
2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing.
1 large yellow onion, diced – it adds sweetness and body.
3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that fragrant kick.
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped – for sweetness and color.
3 celery stalks, diced – adds a classic soup flavor.
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped – these will become wonderfully tender.
1 ½ cups frozen peas – adding them later keeps them bright and sweet.
1 cup green beans fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces – for a nice bite.
1 cup corn kernels frozen or canned – for a touch of sweetness.
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice – these tomatoes add body and a slight tang to the broth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – this is key for intensifying the tomato flavor and thickening the broth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef: Hearty 1 Pot! - Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef - main visual representation

How to Make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Crafting this comforting bowl of goodness is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these steps to create your own delicious pot of old fashioned vegetable beef soup.

Step 1: Get your large soup pot or Dutch oven ready. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Lower the heat to medium. If your pot looks dry, add a little more oil. Toss in the 1 large yellow onion, diced, 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped, and 3 celery stalks, diced. Sauté these aromatics for about 6–7 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for another minute until everything smells wonderful.
Step 3: Pour in 8 cups beef broth, using a spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – that’s where the flavor lives! Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes with juice, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Add the browned beef back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour. This slow cooking time is crucial for making the beef incredibly tender and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in one of the best beef soup recipes.
Step 5: Add the 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped, and 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen) to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: During the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, stir in the 1 ½ cups frozen peas and 1 cup corn kernels. You just want to heat them through so they retain their vibrant color and sweet pop.
Step 7: Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the broth and season with salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Ladle this hearty soup into bowls and enjoy your homemade creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Stew

Want to elevate your soup Old fashioned vegetable beef soup game? Follow these simple tips for an even more delicious and satisfying bowl of goodness.

Don’t skip searing the beef! Browning the meat in batches creates crucial flavor depth that makes this vegetable beef stew truly special.
Simmer low and slow. Patience is key for tender beef and a well-melded broth; resist the urge to rush the simmering process.
Prep your veggies uniformly. Chopping the carrots, celery, and potatoes into similar bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly.
Taste and adjust. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings. A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference.

What’s the secret to perfect Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

The real secret lies in the slow simmering. Allowing the beef to cook gently for at least an hour makes it incredibly tender. This patient approach also lets all the flavors meld together, creating that rich, comforting taste characteristic of a truly classic vegetable beef soup. For more on the science of slow cooking, check out this guide to braising.

Can I make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. In fact, the flavors deepen and meld even more beautifully overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. This is a great option for busy weeks, similar to how crockpot recipes can save time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vegetable Beef Soup?

A common pitfall is overcooking the vegetables, leaving them mushy. Add delicate items like peas towards the end. Another mistake is not browning the beef properly; ensure you sear it in batches for maximum flavor development. Proper searing is a key technique in many recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

This comforting bowl is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful pairings can make it even more special. Serving this hearty vegetable beef soup alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some rustic artisan bread is a must for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness. You could also serve it with a side of cornbread muffins or even some grilled cheese sandwiches for a truly classic, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Nutrition Facts for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

A bowl of this comforting soup Old fashioned vegetable beef soup is hearty and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

Calories: 350-450 (estimates vary based on specific ingredients and fat content of beef)
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 5-7g
Protein: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Fiber: 5-7g
Sugar: 8-12g (naturally occurring from vegetables)
Sodium: 800-1200mg (can be reduced with low-sodium broth)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for meal prep, and storing it properly ensures it stays delicious. Once your old fashioned vegetable beef soup has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigerating beef soup, aim for containers that hold about 2-3 servings. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little headspace in your freezer-safe containers for expansion.

Reheating is simple: gently warm the soup on the stovetop Old fashioned vegetable beef soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

Can I substitute the beef stew meat with ground beef?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer ground beef for your homemade vegetable beef soup, brown about 1 ½ pounds of ground beef at the beginning, just like the stew meat. Be sure to drain off any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe to keep the soup from being too greasy.

What kind of beef broth is best for this soup?

While any beef broth will work, using a low-sodium variety is highly recommended. This allows you to control the saltiness of your soup better, especially since canned tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce can already add a good amount of sodium. It ensures your homemade vegetable beef soup has the perfect balance of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and a great base for adding your favorite vegetables. Feel free to include chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even some kale or spinach towards the end of cooking. This flexibility makes it easy to customize your homemade vegetable beef soup to your liking.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, it’s quite easy to adapt this recipe Old fashioned vegetable beef soup for a slow cooker! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop as directed, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining liquids and vegetables (except peas and corn, which should be added in the last 30 minutes). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. This is a fantastic way to prepare a delicious homemade vegetable beef soup with minimal effort.

Variations of Vegetable Beef Soup You Can Try

This classic dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to switch up your next pot of this comforting soup:

Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: For ultimate convenience, adapt this recipe for your slow cooker. After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the liquids and vegetables (except peas and corn, add those in the last 30 minutes). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Gluten-Free Version: To make this a gluten-free beef and vegetable soup, simply ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. You can also swap the breadcrumbs (if using any for thickening) for gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free oats or rice flour.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, Old fashioned vegetable beef soup add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other seasonings. You could also stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end for an extra layer of flavor and warmth.
Creamy Vegetable Beef Soup: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 10 minutes of cooking Old fashioned vegetable beef soup. This transforms the broth into a luscious, decadent base for your hearty soup.