Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

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There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of vegetable beef soup. The deep tomato broth, tender beef pieces, and perfectly cooked vegetables come together in a way that feels both nourishing and satisfying. It’s not just soup — it’s warmth in a bowl.

Whether it’s a cold evening, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this recipe never disappoints.

🥩 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) beef stew meat, cubed

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 medium potatoes, diced

  • 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 cup corn kernels

  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup water (if needed)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for slight heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Flavor Foundation)

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Add beef cubes in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd — brown in batches if necessary.

Let them sear for 3–4 minutes without stirring. This creates a deep brown crust.

Why this matters:
Browning builds flavor. Those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot will dissolve into the broth later, giving rich depth.

Remove beef and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same pot:

Add diced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now add:

  • Carrots

  • Celery

Cook for 5 minutes.

The kitchen should already smell amazing at this point — savory, warm, slightly sweet.

Step 3: Add Tomato Richness

Stir in:

  • Tomato paste

  • Diced tomatoes

Cook for 2–3 minutes to remove raw tomato taste.

This step deepens the soup’s color and richness.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Return beef to the pot.

Add:

  • Beef broth

  • Water (if needed)

  • Potatoes

  • Thyme

  • Oregano

  • Bay leaf

  • Paprika (optional)

Bring to a gentle boil.

Then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 35–45 minutes.

This allows:

  • Beef to become tender

  • Flavors to blend beautifully

  • Broth to thicken slightly

Step 5: Add Quick-Cooking Vegetables

After 40 minutes, add:

  • Green beans

  • Corn

Simmer another 10–15 minutes.

Taste and adjust:

  • Salt

  • Pepper

Remove bay leaf before serving.

The Perfect Texture

A good vegetable beef soup should be:

✔ Rich but not too thick
✔ Brothy but flavorful
✔ Vegetables tender, not mushy
✔ Beef soft enough to cut with a spoon

If too thick → add hot water or broth.
If too thin → simmer uncovered 10 minutes more.

Flavor Boosting Secrets

Here are pro tips to elevate your soup:

1️⃣ Add a Splash of Worcestershire Sauce

Just 1 teaspoon enhances beef flavor.

2️⃣ Finish with Fresh Parsley

Adds brightness.

3️⃣ Add a Parmesan Rind

Simmering it adds subtle richness.

Slow Cooker Version

  1. Brown beef first (don’t skip).

  2. Add everything except corn and green beans.

  3. Cook:

    • Low: 7–8 hours

    • High: 4–5 hours

  4. Add corn & green beans last 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Version

  1. Use sauté mode to brown beef.

  2. Add all ingredients.

  3. Pressure cook 25 minutes.

  4. Natural release 10 minutes.

Quick, easy, still delicious.

Make It Healthier

  • Use lean beef

  • Add zucchini

  • Add spinach at end

  • Reduce potatoes

  • Use low-sodium broth

Add More Hearty Ingredients

Want it even heartier?

Add:

  • Barley

  • Pasta

  • Kidney beans

  • Cabbage

  • Mushrooms

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator:

Store in airtight container up to 4 days.

Tastes even better next day!

Freezer:

Freeze up to 3 months.

Cool completely before freezing.

Serving Ideas

Serve hot with:

  • Crusty bread

  • Garlic toast

  • Dinner rolls

  • Side salad

For extra comfort:
Sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Why This Soup Is So Loved

This soup works because:

  • Beef provides richness.

  • Vegetables add sweetness and texture.

  • Tomatoes balance acidity.

  • Herbs create warmth.

  • Slow simmer builds depth.

It’s balanced, filling, and satisfying without being heavy.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Protein from beef

  • Fiber from vegetables

  • Vitamins from carrots and celery

  • Potassium from potatoes

It’s comfort food that also nourishes.

Perfect For:

✔ Cold evenings
✔ Family dinners
✔ Meal prep
✔ Sick days
✔ Budget-friendly cooking

Final Thoughts

Vegetable beef soup is not fancy.
It’s not trendy.

But it is timeless.

Every spoonful delivers warmth, heartiness, and comfort. The tender beef melts in your mouth, vegetables bring color and sweetness, and the rich tomato broth ties everything together beautifully.

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