Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of Easy Vegetable Beef Soup on a chilly day. Packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and baby potatoes, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. With easy-to-follow steps and rich, savory flavors, this homemade soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly leftovers.
Why This Vegetable Beef Soup Stands Out
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with chunks of beef, potatoes, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans, making it a meal in itself.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Say goodbye to canned soups—this recipe is brimming with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that canned versions can’t match.
- Simple to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in about 90 minutes.
- Freezes Beautifully: Make a big batch, enjoy some now, and freeze the rest for busy nights when you need a comforting meal.
Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this rich and satisfying soup, gather the following:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, patted dry
- 1-2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons onion powder (or 2 small yellow onions, diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 5 large carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 3 cups water
- 5 cups beef broth
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cups frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved
Best Cuts of Beef for Soup
For the best texture and flavor, choose cuts of beef that benefit from slow cooking, such as:
- Beef stew meat: Often pre-packaged and ready to use.
- Chuck roast: An affordable, tender option when cut into cubes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Sauté onion powder (or diced onions) and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add celery and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Build the Base
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Pour in red wine, water, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Return the beef to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cover with the lid slightly vented and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Vegetables
- Stir in potatoes, peas, green beans, and corn.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
6. Taste and Adjust
- Remove bay leaves.
- Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the soup’s flavor.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: This step enhances the soup’s depth.
- Adjust Seasonings: Tailor the salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave individual servings or reheat larger portions on the stovetop over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! Swap red wine for extra beef broth or use sweet potatoes instead of baby yellow potatoes for a twist.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup recipe combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth for a meal that’s comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it fresh, reheating leftovers, or freezing it for later, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Make it tonight and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
