If you’re looking for a heartwarming, nourishing meal that comes together with minimal fuss, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it’s everything you want on a cozy night in. This soup strikes the perfect balance between rich, comforting flavors and wholesome, vibrant ingredients, making every spoonful feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s so straightforward that even weeknight cooks can whip it up without stress or lengthy prep work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe means working with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the savory ground beef adding depth to the earthy potatoes and bright carrots bringing texture and color, every component combines to create a beautiful harmony in your bowl.
- 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into small cubes): Provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that lifts the soup’s flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 2 cups water: Helps adjust the soup’s consistency and keeps it light.
- 3 medium potatoes, diced: Adds comforting fullness and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Gives a natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 cup frozen peas: A burst of freshness and a pop of green to brighten the bowl.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Provides subtle sweetness and textural variety.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Introduces acidity to balance richness, plus a juicy texture.
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Adds earthiness and a slight herbal note.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: A fragrant touch that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 bay leaf (optional): Imparts a gentle aromatic layer when simmered.
How to Make Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or stew beef cubes and cook them, breaking them apart with your spoon, until they’re nicely browned. This step is crucial because browning builds flavor through caramelization, giving your soup that irresistible depth. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the broth from being greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Into the same pot, toss your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness, laying down a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth, Vegetables, and Herbs
Next, pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, peas, corn, and canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then add the bay leaf if you’re using one. This medley of ingredients is where your soup starts to come alive with color and complexity.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the entire pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have mingled beautifully. This patient simmering step is essential—it’s where your soup technicians transform those simple ingredients into something truly nourishing and delicious.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Once the simmer is complete, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed. Remember to fish out and discard the bay leaf before serving, since it’s not meant to be eaten but provides incredible flavor during cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle this heartwarming soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s warm. Each spoonful is filled with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth that’s nourished both body and soul.
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup with some fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A swirl of sour cream or a dollop of crème fraîche can add creaminess and brightness that complements the soup’s savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls make fantastic companions to this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. They’re perfect for dipping and ensure you get every last bit of that scrumptious broth. A crisp green salad can also bring refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun twist. Alternatively, offer individual ramekins with personalized toppings like cheddar cheese, scallions, or hot sauce so that everyone can tailor their bowl to their liking. Presentation is all about making the experience as comforting and enjoyable as the soup itself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes just as delightful the next day! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it perfect for an easy lunch or dinner reheated later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the deliciousness longer, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic freezer-friendly meal for busy days.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave in smaller portions, stirring halfway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use stew beef instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Using stew beef cut into cubes gives the soup a chunkier texture and more bite, while ground beef provides a softer, more uniform texture. Both versions are delicious and work well with this recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily transform this into a vegetarian soup by replacing beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and swapping beef broth for vegetable broth. The vegetables and herbs still shine through beautifully, making it just as comforting.
What can I substitute for frozen peas and corn?
Fresh peas and corn work great when in season, or you can omit them if needed. Other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers can also be fresh, frozen, or even canned options to add variety.
How thick should the soup be?
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is meant to be hearty but still soup-like, with a broth that’s rich yet not overly thick. If you prefer a denser stew-like consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes or reduce the liquid slightly during cooking.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables and beef are tender. Add peas and corn in the last 30 minutes to keep their texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about an Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe that fills your home with warmth, nourishes your body, and makes everyone around the table smile. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough for any day of the week. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it becomes a comforting staple that you turn to time and time again.
Print
Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any day. Combining tender ground beef with a variety of fresh vegetables simmered in flavorful beef broth and herbs, this soup is simple to prepare and ideal for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into small cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or stew beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup light.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the beef broth, water, diced potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Add the bay leaf if using for an extra layer of flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Season and Finalize: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitterness.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with stew beef for chunkier texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or green beans.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
