If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort food that warms your soul and fills your belly with love, then you absolutely must try Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This classic, hearty soup is a timeless family favorite, bursting with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth that tastes like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you back to cozy kitchen memories and lazy Sunday afternoons spent around the dinner table. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in a simple yet incredibly flavorful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these humble, straightforward ingredients is the first step to making a bowl of pure heartwarming magic. Each element is key, whether it’s adding depth, texture, or that lovely pop of color that makes this soup so inviting.
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small cubes: Provides tender, flavorful chunks of protein that soak up all the delicious aromas.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and layering in rich flavor right from the start.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and a foundation of flavor to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Brings sweetness and a bright orange pop that’s essential for classic vegetable beef soup.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds a lovely crunch and fresh undertone to balance the rich beef.
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced: Creates hearty texture and soaks up savory broth beautifully.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Introduces a subtle sweetness and vibrant yellow flecks.
- 1 cup frozen green beans: Gives a satisfying snap and bursts of green color.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a tender pop and lovely sweetness that rounds out the vegetable medley.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Melds a gentle acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- 6 cups beef broth: The hearty liquid base that ties all the flavors together with rich, beefy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, delicate herbal notes that complement the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a slightly sweet and peppery flavor for extra depth.
- 1 bay leaf: Brings subtle complexity and a classic herbal fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and aromatic sharpness.
How to Make Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, then add the beef cubes. Browning the meat is crucial because it locks in flavor and creates a beautifully rich base for the soup. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s golden on all sides—this step alone smells heavenly and sets the tone for everything to come.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing fragrant sweetness that marries perfectly with the savory beef. This blend builds a deeply aromatic foundation that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Combine
Now, toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Give everything a good stir so those fresh veggies start mingling with the beef and aromatics. These vegetables bring color, texture, and natural sweetness that brighten the overall soup experience.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour 6 cups of beef broth along with the diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into your pot. Bring everything to a lively boil before turning the heat down low. This step lets the flavors marry and the beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender over a slow 45-minute simmer. The smell at this point is simply unbeatable.
Step 5: Add Frozen Veggies and Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in the frozen corn, green beans, and peas. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to fully heat the vegetables through. This keeps their fresh taste alive and the texture pleasantly crisp. After a quick taste test, adjust the seasoning to your preference, and your soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little shredded cheddar cheese on top elevates the presentation and adds freshness or creamy richness. You could also offer a dollop of sour cream or a few cracked black pepper flakes for a touch of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread such as a rustic baguette or buttery dinner rolls. A simple green salad or classic coleslaw also make excellent companions to balance the heartiness of the soup with crisp, light textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an added cozy touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic feel that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful. Or garnish individual servings with a parmesan crisp or sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs to add an unexpected crunch that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep safely for up to four days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it thickened during freezing.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Using ground beef is a quicker alternative and still delivers plenty of flavor, though the texture will be different—more uniform and less chunky than using stew meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Add frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep their texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh ingredients, beef broth, and canned tomatoes without any added gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure your beef broth is labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden sources.
Can I substitute fresh vegetables for frozen?
Definitely! Fresh corn, green beans, and peas work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly since fresh vegetables may take longer to cook through than frozen ones.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and replace beef broth with a rich vegetable broth. Keep the same veggies and herbs for a comforting and warming soup that everyone will adore.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and soul-soothing nature of Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every spoonful, and reconnect with timeless comfort food memories. Whether you’re cooking for family, sharing with friends, or just nourishing yourself after a long day, this soup will always deliver warmth and nourishment in every bowl. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s been a beloved classic for generations!
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Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and hearty classic American recipe featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and a medley of frozen corn, green beans, and peas in a flavorful beef broth seasoned with thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Perfect for a cozy meal, this gluten-free soup is nutritious and filling, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 1 pound beef stew meat cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups beef broth
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring a nice sear for depth of flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic with the browned beef and cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Root Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the beef broth into the pot, then add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Soup: Add dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give the soup a good stir and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until both the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen corn, green beans, and peas. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to cook the vegetables through.
- Final Seasoning Check: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for stew meat for a quicker version of this soup.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
- This soup freezes well for up to three months, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.
