There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty soup is packed with tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and a savory broth that comes together to create a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, and green beans, to add both flavor and nutrition. The beef can be as simple as stew meat, leftover roast, or ground beef. The broth is seasoned with garlic, onion, herbs, and a splash of tomato paste, creating a rich, flavorful base that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.
This soup is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious—packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s a fantastic way to get a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (or ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional for a heartier soup)
- 1 cup frozen green beans (or fresh if preferred)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium, if preferred)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat (or ground beef) and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes for stew meat. If using ground beef, break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- Add the Remaining Vegetables:
- Add the potato, green beans, and corn (if using) to the soup, then continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust the seasonings, adding more thyme, oregano, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Once everything is tender and flavorful, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of this soup. You can add lentils, beans, or mushrooms for protein.
- Extra Greens: Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
- Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, you can add small pasta, rice, or even quinoa in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels to make sure the soup doesn’t become too thick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Total Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Net Carbs: 24g
- Sugar: 6g
- WW SmartPoints: 7 (per serving)
Why You’ll Love Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup:
- Comforting and Filling: With tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich broth, this soup is a meal in itself.
- Customizable: You can use whatever vegetables or protein you prefer, making it a versatile and forgiving recipe.
- Easy to Make: Despite the hearty flavor, this soup comes together in just over an hour and requires minimal prep.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store individual servings in the freezer for a quick meal later on.
This Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for busy days when you need a filling and comforting meal. It’s healthy, easy, and so satisfying—perfect for feeding a family or for meal prepping. The flavors deepen as the soup sits, so it only gets better the next day! Enjoy! 😊
