Description

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting classic that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth to create a soul-soothing meal perfect for chilly days. Rich in protein and fiber, this nutritious and balanced soup is easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and ideal for any occasion, delivering layers of flavor and satisfying textures in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables

3 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium potatoes, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

6 cups beef broth (use homemade if possible)

Seasonings

2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning)

Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and brown the beef cubes on all sides to lock in flavor and develop a rich, caramelized crust.
Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Build the Soup: Return the beef to the pot along with chopped potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add bay leaves and thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables have absorbed all the hearty flavors. Stir occasionally and check seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.
Final Touches: Remove bay leaves and add any last-minute seasoning tweaks. Serve hot and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this classic soup.

Notes

Brown the beef well to create a deep flavor foundation.
Use homemade beef broth if possible for richer, fresher taste.
Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
Simmer the soup low and slow to meld flavors and tenderize beef perfectly.
Skip the lid while simmering to concentrate flavors by reducing liquid.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: comfort food, beef soup, vegetable beef soup, hearty soup, classic soup, freezer-friendly soup, gluten-free soup