Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty dish made with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a tasty broth. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and easy to make with common ingredients.
I like to add a little extra pepper or herbs for more flavor. Sometimes I’ll add beans or pasta for a twist—that’s my way of making it even more filling!
When serving, I like to top it with fresh parsley. It makes the soup look nice and adds a fresh touch to the hearty flavors.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend chuck roast cut into cubes for tender, flavorful bites. If you prefer healthier options, lean ground beef works well. To save time, use pre-cooked beef stew meat.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. Fresh is best, but frozen works fine in a pinch. You can swap in green beans or peas for variety.
Broth: Use beef broth for rich flavor. For a lighter or vegetarian version, try chicken broth or vegetable broth—just keep an eye on added salt.
Tomatoes: Diced canned tomatoes bring acidity and depth. Fresh chopped tomatoes are nice, but canned are more convenient and consistent.
Herbs & Seasonings: Bay leaf and black pepper are classic. I like adding thyme or parsley for freshness. Dried herbs are simple, but fresh herbs brighten the soup at the end.
How do I brown the beef properly?
1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with browning.
2. Heat a little oil in your pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in a single layer, don’t overcrowd it, and let it cook untouched until browned.
4. Turn pieces to brown all sides evenly. Browning builds flavor and keeps the beef tender.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
Meat & Broth
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 6 cups beef broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation: 15 mins; Cooking: 1 hour; Total: 1 hour 15 mins
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Wash and chop all vegetables. Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. Gather seasonings and oils.
2. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables
In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes.
4. Combine and simmer
Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Add green beans and finish
Add green beans to the soup. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
