Beef and Vegetable Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of beef and vegetable soup that warms you from the inside out. Tender chunks of stew meat mingle with bright, colorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth, delivering a wonderful balance of hearty protein and garden-fresh flavor. Each spoonful reveals layers of texture and character—from the silky sweetness of carrots to the earthy depth of potatoes—elevated by fragrant notes of thyme and rosemary. Whether you’re battling a cold day, craving a nostalgic taste of home, or simply seeking a wholesome dinner option, this soup promises to hit all the right notes. It’s accessible enough for a beginner cook yet satisfying enough to impress seasoned home chefs. The magic truly happens as the beef simmers low and slow, soaking up every nuance of tomato juice and beef broth until it practically melts in your mouth. Serve it with crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.

Growing up, Sunday dinners always revolved around something bubbling on the stove, and this beef and vegetable soup taps right into that nostalgia. My mother would throw in whatever vegetables needed using up—sometimes sweet corn, other times zucchini—and the results were always comforting and delicious. Now, as I stand stirring the pot after a busy day, I love watching the steam swirl through the kitchen, carrying hints of garlic and onion that shake off the stress of work. One of my favorite tricks is cooking this soup the night before; the flavors marry overnight, turning a great recipe into something spectacular. And if you have extra, it freezes beautifully in individual portions—just thaw, reheat, and you’ve got an effortless lunch or dinner ready at a moment’s notice. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll become a staple for cozy nights and quick meal prep alike.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BEEF AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Every ingredient in this beef and vegetable soup plays a special role, weaving together layers of texture, flavor, and nutrition. From aromatic aromatics to vibrant veggies and tender meat, here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef stew meat: Provides rich, hearty protein and develops deep flavor when browned in the pot.
• Olive oil: A flavorful cooking medium that helps sear the beef and soften aromatics without burning.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; when sautéed, it forms the flavorful base of the broth.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, savory kick and enhances the overall aroma of the soup.
• Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color, while softening to a tender bite.
• Celery: Balances flavors with a mild bitterness and pleasant crunch, a classic component of any mirepoix.
• Potatoes: Provide creamy, starchy body to the broth and make the soup more filling.
• Diced tomatoes with juice: Introduce bright acidity and umami, rounding out the broth with tangy complexity.
• Beef broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, delivering robust, meaty flavor in every spoonful.
• Water: Balances concentration and volume, ensuring the soup isn’t overly intense.
• Dried thyme: Lends subtle herbal notes that complement the beef.
• Dried rosemary: Imparts piney, fragrant depth that weaves through each bite.
• Bay leaf: Releases gentle, earthy aromas as it simmers, enriching the broth’s complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors and bringing balance.
• Frozen peas: Add a sweet snap of green freshness and visual appeal.
• Frozen green beans: Contribute additional texture and bright grassy flavor for contrast.

HOW TO MAKE BEEF AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Cooking this soup is a straightforward, rewarding process that transforms simple pantry staples into a nourishing masterpiece. Follow these steps to build flavor, layer by layer, and achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables.

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes—this Maillard reaction locks in flavor. Once golden, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic, coating the vegetables in any remaining oil and browned bits.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients and lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to distribute the herbs and seasoning evenly.

6. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have fully melded.

7. After simmering, stir in the frozen peas and frozen green beans. Cook, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and vibrant.

8. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BEEF AND VEGETABLE SOUP

To make your hearty soup experience even more memorable, these serving ideas will elevate each bowl. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, small touches can transform a simple soup into a feast of comfort and flavor.

• Crusty bread accompaniment: Offer warm slices of artisan bread or a crusty baguette for dunking. The chewy texture soaks up every drop of savory broth.
• Fresh herb garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over each bowl. The pop of green freshness adds a bright contrast to the rich soup.
• Creamy topping: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt in the center. Its tangy creaminess balances the hearty flavors and lends a luscious mouthfeel.
• Cheesy crust: Serve with grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar on the side. Encourage guests to stir in the cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

HOW TO STORE BEEF AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Proper storage ensures your soup stays as fresh and flavorful as the day you made it. Follow these tips to maximize shelf life and maintain its comforting taste whenever you’re ready to enjoy seconds.

• Refrigeration in airtight containers: Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing in portions: For longer storage, ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags in single-serving portions. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Glass jars for grab-and-go: Use mason jars for compact, spill-proof storage. Leave an inch of headspace in the jar to allow for expansion when freezing.
• Reheating gently: When reheating, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave with occasional stirring to preserve texture and prevent boiling off too much liquid.

CONCLUSION

This hearty beef and vegetable soup has everything you need for a cozy, satisfying meal: tender, richly seasoned beef, garden-fresh vegetables, and a soul-soothing broth. From the initial sear of the meat to the gentle simmer that melds all the flavors together, each step is designed to maximize taste and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find this recipe approachable and adaptable. Feel free to print out this article and save it for those chilly evenings or busy weeknight dinners. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer any questions you might have about substitutions, storage, or cooking times.

I hope this guide inspires you to get cooking and fill your home with delicious aromas. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment sharing how it turned out or any personal twists you added. Questions, feedback, and cooking adventures are always welcome—let’s keep the conversation going as you make this comforting soup your own!

Print Recipe

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Author: Laura Mitchell Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 400

Description

This beef and vegetable soup bursts with rich, savory flavors as tender beef mingles with fresh veggies, creating a nourishing meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 carrots, sliced

• 3 stalks celery, sliced

• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 cup frozen green beans

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, and water. Stir to mix all the ingredients together.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
7. After simmering, add the frozen peas and green beans. Stir and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty beef and vegetable soup.

Note

• For added depth of flavor, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Use fresh herbs if available; simply double the amount as dried herbs.
• This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Consider adding barley or pasta for a heartier version.
• A dash of red wine can add complexity to the broth during cooking.

Keywords: beef soup, vegetable soup, comfort food, healthy dinner, meal prep, hearty recipe