My Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Hearty Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup for Family Comfort 🥣🍖✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, nourishing dish to bring your family together or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal, making a vegetable beef soup from scratch is the perfect choice. This hearty vegetable beef stew offers rich flavors, tender beef, and an array of fresh vegetables, making it a classic traditional beef vegetable soup. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides wholesome ingredients that can be customized to your taste. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this delicious homemade vegetable beef broth in a few simple steps that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas.

2. Ingredients Needed for Vegetable Beef Soup

  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 6 cups beef broth (or homemade vegetable beef broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegetable Beef Soup

Prepare the Beef

Season the beef stew meat with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to start softening the vegetables.

Add Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the ingredients are covered. Add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Add the Green Beans

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped green beans for a fresh, crisp addition. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Use quality beef stew meat for tender results.
  • For a richer flavor, brown the beef thoroughly before simmering.
  • You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to customize your hearty vegetable beef stew.
  • To make the broth extra flavorful, consider simmering beef bones if available.

5. Storage and Reheating Tips

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

6. Serving Suggestions for Family Comfort

  • Serve your vegetable beef soup with crusty bread or warm rolls for a complete meal.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or grated cheese on top for added flavor.
  • Pair with a side salad or a simple vegetable platter for a balanced dinner.

7. Variations and Substitutions

  • If you prefer a traditional beef vegetable soup without potatoes, simply omit them or replace with cauliflower florets.
  • For a low-sodium version, use homemade broth and limit salt.
  • Vegetarians can substitute beef with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth for a similar hearty feel.
  • Use gluten-free vegetables if needed.

8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

9. Conclusion

Making a vegetable beef soup from scratch is a wonderful way to create nourishing, comforting, and flavorful family meals. This hearty vegetable beef stew combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth that can be tailored to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re cooking under a time crunch or enjoying a slow, simmered meal, this recipe guarantees warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Try it today and enjoy the classic taste of traditional beef vegetable soup that your loved ones will thank you for!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute beef with chicken or turkey?

Yes, you can use shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this vegetable beef soup. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and flavors meld well.

How long does it take to prepare?

From start to finish, it takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, including preparation, browning, and simmering, making it an ideal quick yet hearty meal.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. The flavors remain delicious and satisfying.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this vegetable beef soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers and reheat for a quick, cozy meal on busy days.

Print
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A bowl of steaming old fashioned vegetable beef soup with tender chunks of beef, vibrant carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans, garnished with fresh herbs, served in a rustic white bowl on a wooden table with a spoon beside it, showcasing rich broth textures and colorful vegetables.

Hearty Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup for Family Comfort

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A classic and comforting vegetable beef soup that simmered slowly with tender beef chunks and fresh vegetables, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef chunks and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, green beans, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • You can add other seasonal vegetables like peas or corn for variation.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes before adding or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Method: Stovetop simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (Approx. 350g)
  • Calories: 320 Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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