If you’re craving something comforting and packed with wholesome flavors, nothing hits the spot quite like this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender beef chunks and a vibrant medley of garden-fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. This soup is not just about warmth on a chilly day; it’s about filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy satisfaction. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a soul-soothing dish to share, this recipe checks all the boxes for a hearty, nourishing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients that each bring something special to the pot. From the tender stew meat that forms the protein foundation to the colorful veggies that add texture and naturally sweet flavors, every component plays a key role in delivering that unforgettable taste.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to lightly coat and seal the beef, adding a subtle thickness to the soup.
- 1½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 1½ tsp pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
- 2 lbs stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes: Provides hearty, tender chunks of beef that melt in your mouth.
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil: Used for browning the beef and adding a subtle richness.
- 6 carrots, chopped: Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Add a refreshing crunch and aromatic depth.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Brings savory sweetness that forms the soup’s base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with warmth and a fragrant kick.
- 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a tangy, juicy brightness balancing the richness of beef.
- 8 cups beef broth: The heart of the soup, creating a flavorful, comforting liquid base.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh): Provides pops of juicy sweetness and color.
- 1 cup cut green beans (frozen or fresh): Adds fresh green crunch and nutritional goodness.
- 1 cup lima beans (fresh or frozen): Brings creaminess and an earthy note to the mix.
- 1 cup frozen green peas: Offers tender sweetness and a lovely pop of green.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A subtle herbal note that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly before serving.
How to Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Beef
Start by combining the flour, salt, and pepper inside a large resealable bag. Add the stew meat cubes, seal the bag, and give it a good shake so every piece gets a light, even coating. This step not only seasons the beef but also helps create a lightly thickened broth once cooking begins.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef chunks in batches, browning them on all sides until lightly golden. This caramelization step is key for developing deep, rich flavors that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, and add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, and dried thyme. Give everything a gentle stir to mix.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker, set it to LOW, and let this beautiful Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe cook for about 8 hours. The slow simmer tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to blend into a hearty, soul-warming masterpiece.
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and bright finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add richness if you’re feeling indulgent. These little touches elevate the rustic charm of the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad or a light coleslaw can add refreshing contrast too, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family gathering or a casual dinner party, serve the soup in rustic, wide bowls with a swirl of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, hearty presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making lunchtime or dinner easy and delicious on busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its rich flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as the ingredients may heat unevenly. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup?
Absolutely! While stew meat is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even brisket. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may cook faster and become less tender over long cooking times.
Is it possible to make this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. After browning the beef, combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I customize the vegetables in this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Swap or add vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or parsnips depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Just keep cooking times in mind for tougher veggies to ensure they soften properly.
How do I get a thicker soup consistency?
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a portion of the beans or vegetables against the side of the pot during or after cooking. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water near the end of cooking and cook a few more minutes until thickened.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, replace beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and omit any animal-based seasonings. The variety of beans and vegetables will still give you a fulfilling, rich soup experience.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is a winner for anyone who loves a classic, comforting meal that nourishes both body and soul. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for cozy days when you need a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Vegetable Beef Soup recipe features tender stew meat and a medley of fresh and frozen vegetables simmered slowly in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty, nourishing meal, it is made easy with a slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over eight hours. The soup is seasoned with thyme, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a rich and satisfying dish ideal for cooler days or whenever you crave a wholesome homemade soup.
Ingredients
Meat Coating
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp pepper
- 2 lbs stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Soup Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup cut green beans, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup lima beans, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Meat: In a large resealable bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the stew meat cubes to the bag and shake well until each piece is evenly coated with the flour mixture. This step helps to thicken the soup later and seasons the meat.
- Brown the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated stew meat and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are lightly browned. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat into the slow cooker. Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, corn kernels, green beans, lima beans, green peas, dried thyme, and additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the soup on LOW for 8 hours. The long slow cooking time allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: After cooking, stir the soup gently and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can substitute beef broth with low sodium broth to reduce salt content.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil when serving to enhance flavor.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for coating the meat.
