There is something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that fills your kitchen with the aroma of tender beef and vibrant vegetables, promising a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. This soup is a perfect blend of rich beef, fresh garden vegetables, and a medley of herbs simmered to perfection, creating a hearty and nourishing dish that’s been loved across generations. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a wholesome meal to share, this recipe delivers that classic, soul-soothing flavor that only a true old fashioned vegetable beef soup can offer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and a variety of textures in every spoonful. Each ingredient plays a key role in giving the soup its heartiness, freshness, and that beloved thick texture that makes it so memorable.
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy beef throughout the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and adding a hint of rich flavor to the base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a savory aroma.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful foundation that binds all ingredients.
- 2 cups water: To keep the soup perfectly balanced in consistency.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice: Adds acidity and a burst of color.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a slight crunch.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Enhances texture and flavor complexity.
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced potatoes: Gives the soup a hearty, comforting body.
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen): Introduces freshness and subtle earthiness.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Adds mild sweetness and vibrant yellow pops.
- 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh): Offers tender texture and a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a traditional herbaceous note to the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and complex aroma as it simmers.
How to Make Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Carefully add the stew meat in a single layer to brown evenly. Browning the beef for 5 to 7 minutes on all sides locks in juices and builds a rich foundation of flavor for the soup. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step releases that irresistible aroma and adds sweetness to the broth.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Vegetables
Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. This combination creates a vibrant soup base, balancing the hearty meat with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer slowly for one hour. This long, gentle simmer allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly. Patience here rewards you with a deeply satisfying taste.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Vegetables
After an hour, add the green beans, corn, and peas to the pot and continue simmering uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes, until all the vegetables and beef are perfectly tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving to ensure a smooth texture and balanced flavor.
How to Serve Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To bring this soup to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also introduce a lovely creaminess or richness that complements the savory broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, artisan rolls, or warm cornbread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. For a lighter meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or mason jars for a charming, homey feel. You can also add a sprinkle of crispy bacon or toasted garlic croutons on top for an extra crunch that surprises and delights. For a fun twist, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the flavors at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe freezes well without losing its comforting texture. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the vegetables tender and the beef juicy. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until beef is tender. Add the green beans, corn, and peas during the last 30 minutes to keep them fresh.
What cuts of beef work best for this soup?
Beef stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender with slow cooking. You can also use chuck roast cut into cubes, which adds great flavor and texture to this classic soup.
Are substitutions allowed for the vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale. Just keep the cooking times in mind to avoid overcooking delicate veggies.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels if you are sensitive to gluten.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering. You can also throw in a diced jalapeño with the garlic for a gentle heat that develops throughout cooking.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, satisfying feeling of a homemade bowl of Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. It’s genuinely one of those dishes that comforts your soul, feeds your body, and brings memories to the table. If you’re craving a timeless classic that’s easy to prepare but full of depth, this recipe is your go-to. Give it a try and let the flavors fill your home with warmth!
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Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting soup packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Slow simmered to perfection on the stovetop, this classic American recipe delivers rich beef broth combined with a colorful medley of carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas, making it the perfect nourishing meal for any day.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan by browning in batches if necessary. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes with juice. Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour, allowing the beef to tenderize and flavors to meld.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Uncover the pot and stir in green beans, corn kernels, and green peas. Continue simmering for another 20-25 minutes, uncovered, until all vegetables and beef are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, perfect for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, brown the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure a nice sear.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify.
- You can substitute fresh herbs such as thyme if preferred instead of dried.
