Discover the perfect old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe. Learn how to make this hearty, comforting classic that’s packed with tender meat and nutritious veggies.
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Classic Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: Homemade Comfort
Winter’s chill brings a perfect time for a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup. This classic dish is a true comfort food. It’s filled with tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth that reminds you of childhood.
Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s sure to hit the spot. This old-fashioned soup will satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling cozy and nourished.
Key Takeaways
- Classic vegetable beef soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish
- Packed with tender beef, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth
- Can be easily prepared on the stovetop
- Offers a wholesome and nutritious meal option for the whole family
- Perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a hearty lunch or dinner
What is Vegetable Beef Soup?
Vegetable beef soup is a classic dish. It combines tender beef with fresh vegetables in a savory broth. It’s perfect for cool weather and is full of nutritious ingredients.
A Hearty and Comforting Soup
Vegetable beef soup is a beloved comfort food. It warms the soul on a chilly day. The mix of tender beef and various vegetables like carrots and potatoes makes it satisfying.
Packed with Nutritious Veggies and Tender Beef
This vegetable beef soup is comforting and nutritious. The tender beef adds protein, while the nutritious vegetables bring vitamins and minerals. The savory broth brings all the flavors together, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for the Perfect old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe
To make the ultimate classic vegetable beef soup, you need the right mix of ingredients. The main parts for this old-fashioned recipe are:
- 1 ½ lb stew meat or chuck roast, cut into small pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 32 oz boxes of unsalted low-sodium beef broth
- 1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes in tomato sauce
- 1 cup of water
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen green beans, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon of ground basil
- ½ teaspoon of ground parsley
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
This mix of tender beef, healthy veggies, and tasty herbs and spices makes a comforting and flavorful vegetable beef soup. It’s a true classic homemade dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stew meat or chuck roast | 1 ½ lb |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted low-sodium beef broth | 2 32 oz boxes |
| Diced tomatoes in tomato sauce | 1 15 oz can |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Russet potatoes | 3 |
| Celery stalks | 2 |
| Green beans | 1 ½ cups |
| Carrots | 3 large |
| Fresh oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground parsley | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
With these ingredients, you can make a hearty and comforting old fashioned vegetable beef soup. Your whole family will love it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect vegetable beef soup is a fun journey. It starts with a few easy steps. Let’s explore how to make this comforting dish from scratch.
Browning the Beef
Begin by cutting the beef into small cubes. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil.
Brown the beef on all sides. This creates a rich, caramelized crust. It locks in flavor and improves the soup’s texture. Once browned, set the beef aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant. These vegetables are the base of the soup’s flavor. Take your time to let them develop their sweetness.
Add garlic for an extra flavor boost. It’s best to add it at this stage.
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and fragrant.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
With the beef browned and the aromatics sautéed, you’re almost there. The next steps will combine the ingredients. Let the flavors meld as the soup simmers to perfection.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker
Choosing between stovetop vegetable beef soup and slow cooker vegetable beef soup depends on your preference and schedule. Both methods have their own benefits.
The stovetop method cooks the soup for about 1.5 hours. This time allows the flavors to blend and the beef to soften. You’ll get a hearty, homemade soup ready in no time.
The slow cooker method takes longer but is worth it. Letting the soup simmer for 6-7 hours on low heat enhances the flavors. The beef becomes tender, making the soup comforting and easy to chew.
Whether you choose stovetop or slow cooker, you’ll enjoy a delicious soup. It will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
| Cooking Method | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 15 minutes | 1.5 hours | 1 hour 45 minutes | 8 |
| Slow Cooker | 15 minutes | 6-7 hours | 6 hours 15 minutes | 8 |
Variations and Substitutions
The classic vegetable beef soup recipe uses beef stew meat. But, you can also use ground vegetable beef soup variations or chuck roast. Ground beef makes the soup smooth, while chuck roast adds big, tender chunks. You can change the veggies to what you like, like frozen corn and peas or green beans.
Using Ground Beef or Chuck Roast
To make ground beef vegetable soup, replace the stew meat with ground beef. This makes the soup even. For bigger, tender beef pieces, try chuck roast vegetable soup. The chuck roast gets very tender, making it perfect for big bites.
- Ground beef: Provides a more homogeneous texture
- Chuck roast: Offers larger, more tender chunks of beef
- Adjust vegetables based on personal preference and what’s on hand
This soup is all about trying new things. Mix up the protein and veggies to make your own vegetable beef soup variations. The most important thing is to use fresh, quality ingredients. This way, you’ll get a soup that’s both comforting and healthy.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable beef soup is a hearty and comforting meal. It tastes even better with a side of crusty bread. The rich broth and tender beef go well with warm, chewy bread. You can choose from a classic French baguette, rustic boule, or soft dinner roll.
To make your vegetable beef soup even better, try adding grated cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley on top. These simple touches can add extra flavor. Serve the soup with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Pairing with Crusty Bread
Dipping warm, crusty bread into the soup’s flavorful broth is a great way to enjoy it. The bread soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a perfect mix of textures and tastes.
- Choose a rustic sourdough loaf or hearty whole-grain bread to match the soup’s heartiness.
- Offer a variety of breads, like French baguette, ciabatta, or homemade garlic bread, for guests to pick their favorite.
- For a simple yet elegant look, slice the bread and place it on a wooden board or platter with the soup. This invites guests to dip and enjoy.
Finding the right bread to pair with vegetable beef soup can make the dish even more comforting. Try different breads to find the perfect match for your homemade soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover vegetable beef soup is a great and easy meal. It’s important to store and reheat it right to keep its taste and texture good. You can enjoy your vegetable beef soup leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Storing Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup
To store your vegetable beef soup leftovers, cool it down and put it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Don’t let the soup sit out for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow.
Reheating Vegetable Beef Soup Leftovers
To reheat your vegetable beef soup leftovers, put some in a saucepan and heat it on medium, stirring now and then. Or, you can heat it in the microwave, stirring and checking for hot spots.
“Proper storage and reheating of leftovers is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illness. Following the recommended guidelines can help you enjoy your vegetable beef soup without worry.”
By following these tips, you can enjoy your vegetable beef soup leftovers safely and deliciously. Your homemade comfort food will be at its best.
Nutritional Benefits
Vegetable beef soup is not just tasty and comforting. It’s also very nutritious. The mix of tender beef and fresh veggies makes a meal full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Protein-Rich and Veggie-Packed
The protein in vegetable beef soup mainly comes from the beef. It offers about 26g of protein per serving. This makes it a good choice for those wanting more protein in their diet. The vegetables in vegetable beef soup, like carrots and green beans, add lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Each serving of the Vegetable Beef Soup contains about 389 calories, 20g total fat, 7g saturated fat, 83mg cholesterol, and 671mg sodium.
- The recipe makes 8 servings and has 26g of protein per serving.
- The soup also has 5g of fiber per serving, plus 32.1mg of Vitamin C and 69% of Vitamin A’s daily value.
- It also gives 25% of the daily iron intake and 8% of the daily calcium.
With its protein-rich beef and nutrient-dense vegetables, vegetable beef soup is a healthy and fulfilling meal. It supports overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
This classic vegetable beef soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It has tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for cold weather, whether cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
It’s not just tasty; it’s also full of nutrients. Each serving has lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s low in calories and fat, making it great for those watching their diet. It has 6 Weight Watchers smart points per serving.
If you’re looking for a cozy dish or want to eat healthier, try this soup. Get your ingredients ready, and cook it up. Enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors of this homemade soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in vegetable beef soup?
The main ingredients are tender beef and fresh veggies. These include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and peas.
How do I make vegetable beef soup on the stovetop?
Start by browning the beef in batches. This gives it a rich flavor. Then, sauté onions, carrots, and celery to create the soup’s base.
Once ready, mix the beef, veggies, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Let it simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors blend well.
Can I use ground beef or chuck roast instead of beef stew meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef or chuck roast. Ground beef makes the soup more uniform. Chuck roast gives larger, tender chunks.
What are some good side dishes to serve with vegetable beef soup?
Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. You can also add grated cheese, sour cream, or parsley for extra flavor.
How long will leftover vegetable beef soup last in the refrigerator?
Leftover soup can last up to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container.
What are the nutritional benefits of vegetable beef soup?
It’s very nutritious. The beef and veggies offer a protein-rich meal. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.