Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

 Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, nothing satisfies like a steaming bowl of Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup. This hearty, soul-warming dish is a timeless classic—packed with tender chunks of beef, garden-fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that’s been slowly simmered to perfection. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this vegetable beef soup recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into why this soup is irresistible, how to make it flawlessly, and expert tips to take your results from good to unforgettable.

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🥩 Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup

Deep, layered flavors developed from browning the beef and sautéing aromatic vegetables.

Nutritious and filling, thanks to a well-balanced blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Customizable: Swap veggies, use your preferred broth, or make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Meal prep-friendly and freezer-safe, making it perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

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🛒 Ingredient List (And Why Each One Matters)

Here's everything you'll need to make the best vegetable beef soup from scratch:

Beef Stew Meat (1 ½ lbs)

Rich in flavor and perfect for slow simmering, stew beef becomes fork-tender while infusing the broth with savory depth.

Olive Oil (2 ½ Tbsp, divided)

Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. It builds flavor at every step.

Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Essential for seasoning each layer—don’t skip seasoning the beef before browning!

Yellow Onion (1 ¾ cups, chopped)

Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup. A key flavor builder.

Carrots (1 ¼ cups, peeled and chopped)

Add natural sweetness and vibrant color. They also hold up well in long cooking.

Celery (1 cup, chopped)

Lends a savory depth and subtle crunch, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.

Garlic (1 ½ Tbsp, minced)

Delivers a pungent aromatic boost that intensifies as the soup simmers.

Low-Sodium Beef Broth (8 cups)

Creates the hearty, beefy base. Low-sodium lets you control the salt level.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp, optional)

Adds a woodsy, herbal note that complements beef beautifully.

Potatoes (2 cups, diced)

Hearty and satisfying, potatoes help thicken the soup slightly and soak up all that flavor.

Green Beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut)

Add freshness and texture, and brighten up the flavor.

Corn (1 cup) & Peas (1 cup)

Tossed in at the end for a pop of sweetness and color. Also boost the veggie count!

Fresh Parsley (2 Tbsp, chopped)

Stirred in before serving for herbal freshness and visual appeal.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Brown the Beef

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.

Pat the stew beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

Add half the beef to the pot in a single layer. Brown for about 4 minutes, turning halfway.

Remove browned beef to a plate and repeat with remaining meat using another ½ Tbsp olive oil.

> 💡 Pro Tip: Browning the beef in batches prevents steaming and enhances the flavor.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the now-empty pot.

Toss in onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.

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3. Build the Broth

Return beef to the pot.

Pour in 8 cups of beef broth.

Stir in thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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4. Add Hearty Veggies

Stir in potatoes (and green beans now if you prefer them very soft).

Continue to simmer, covered, for 20 more minutes.

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5. Final Veggie Additions

Add green beans (if not already added) and simmer 15 minutes until all vegetables and beef are fork-tender.

Stir in corn and peas and simmer for 5 more minutes, just until heated through.

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6. Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat.

Stir in fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of brightness.

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🧠 Expert Tips for Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

Don’t rush the browning process—this is where the flavor magic happens.

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture that holds shape.

Prefer a thicker soup? Mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and stir.

Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for umami-rich depth.

Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef first, then cook everything on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your vegetable beef soup with:

A crusty artisan bread or buttermilk biscuits for dipping.

A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo.

Want to elevate it further? Top your soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a swirl of herb-infused olive oil.

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🧊 Storage & Freezing

Fridge: Keeps well for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

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❤️ Why This Vegetable Beef Soup Will Become a Family Favorite

This recipe is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup: bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and a satisfying texture that leaves you full and content. Each spoonful delivers tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (even though it’s weeknight-friendly!).

Unlike canned versions or bland shortcuts, this from-scratch vegetable beef soup is a true labor of love—but with our detailed instructions, anyone can master it.

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🔥 Final Thoughts: The Soup That Always Hits the Spot

If you're searching for the best homemade vegetable beef soup recipe, you've just found it. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and deep flavor—and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Make a big batch, share it with loved ones, and savor the warmth of every bite.

Bookmark this recipe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment below with your favorite add-ins. Here's to bowls of joy, one simmer at a time. 🍲

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👉 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or save it for your next cozy night in. Hungry for more? Explore our collection of

 comfort food classics and easy weeknight dinners that your whole family will love.

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