When it comes to comfort food, an old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe is hard to beat. This soup gives you warmth, nourishment and a pleasing agglomerate of flavors that can make any meal into a cozy inspiration. Tender beef chunks, medley of veggies, and a luscious broth make up this classic soup recipe that is great for cold evenings, prepping meals, and family dinners.
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I like cooking and enjoy cooking new dishes as it savors my appetite as I have a tech job and have to work. Then I’ll walk you through how to make the very best old fashioned vegetable beef soup:
What ingredients you need and how to use every one, detailed cooking instructions, helpful tips, and even some creative twists to try. It’s all hands on prep time of just 20 minutes, and a flavorful, filling meal that is easy to make and definitely sure to be a favorite.
Why Choose Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
There’s something about old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe that make them irresistible. An old fashioned simple vegetable beef soup with simple fresh ingredients and rich flavors and satisfying textures.
It’s easy, cost effective, and an incredibly versatile soup. Not to mention that it’s loaded in nutrients with a variety of vegetables and high protein beef. No matter if you’re making it for one or for several, this recipe covers it all from making a batch for immediate enjoyment, re-freezing portions for later, or using up leftover vegetables.
Key Ingredients for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
The well rounded vegetable beef soup would be one blend of protein, vegetables, and seasoning. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:
- Beef Chuck Roast: They say that this is an ideal cut of beef for soups, because the slow cooking makes it tender and flavorful. If you prefer to substitute it, you can swap it out for stew meat or (ground) beef.
- Potatoes: The soup has potatoes which give it heartiness. Russet potatoes are good for something with a more starchy texture, Yukon Gold or Red potatoes will hold up.
- Mixed Vegetables: The classic mix for a cheat is carrots, celery, onions, and peas. To bump up the flavor and the nutrition you can add green beans, corn, or any other type of vegetable of your choice.
- Beef Broth: A rich savory base comes from low sodium beef broth. If you like a lighter broth you can also mix beef broth and water.
- Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste is added to the broth giving it a bit more depth and a little bit of tang, which is nice with the beef.
- Seasonings: And salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme and parsley all give the soup warmth and depth. If you want even more flavor, then add garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce.
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How to Make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe. With these easy instructions, you’ll have a steaming pot of comforting soup ready to enjoy in no time.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in a single layer. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot, then add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, potatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: After the soup has simmered for an hour, stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Choose Quality Beef: Using a flavorful cut like chuck roast enhances the taste of the soup. Ground beef is a quicker alternative, though it yields a different texture.
- Brown the Beef First: Searing the beef before simmering it in the soup creates a deeper flavor by forming a caramelized crust on the meat.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables save time, but fresh vegetables add a better texture and freshness to the soup.
- Adjust the Consistency: For a thicker soup, add a slurry of flour and water or a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup in a Slow Cooker
Making vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker is a convenient option for busy days. Here’s how:
- Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in a skillet on the stovetop to lock in the flavors before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Place the beef, broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and seasonings in the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low or High: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Add frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from overcooking.
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Freezing and Storing Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
This soup is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers. Follow these guidelines for storing:
- In the Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Creative Variations for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
To keep things interesting, here are some old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe ideas to vary the flavor and texture of your vegetable beef soup:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Add More Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley add an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Variation: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer broth.
- Swap the Meat: For a lighter version, replace beef with chicken breast or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Boost with Barley or Pasta: Add barley or small pasta like orzo to make the soup even heartier. Add it with the potatoes so it cooks fully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
When it comes to reheating this old-fashioned vegetable beef soup, you have a couple of options:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion of soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in one-minute increments, stirring in between.
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy days. To freeze, allow it to cool, transfer it into freezer-safe containers, and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Serving Suggestions for Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal:
- Bread or Rolls: Crusty bread, biscuits, or garlic bread are excellent for dipping.
- Side Salad: A green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair with a classic grilled cheese for a comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cut of meat for vegetable beef soup?
Chuck roast, with its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, is ideal for this soup. Ground beef is a convenient substitute if you’re short on time.
How do I make my soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) or add a few tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, substitute fresh tomatoes by using about two cups of diced fresh tomatoes. The flavor will be slightly less concentrated, so you may want to add a tablespoon of tomato paste for balance.
Final Thoughts: An Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe That Never Disappoints
This old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe is a timeless classic that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals to your table. With its wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and heartwarming appeal, this soup is perfect for any season, especially on chilly nights. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort that’s good for the soul.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal to prep and freeze, or a recipe to impress family and friends, this old-fashioned vegetable beef soup delivers on all fronts. So grab your ingredients, gather around the table, and enjoy this simple yet satisfying soup.
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