Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup (Classic, Cozy & Loaded with Flavor)

 


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.

Add half of the beef to the pot and brown for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through.

Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef, adding a little more oil if needed.

Browning builds deep flavor — don’t skip this step!


Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add remaining olive oil to the empty pot.

Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute longer, just until fragrant.

Your kitchen should already smell amazing.


Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, browned beef, basil, oregano, and thyme.

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.


Step 4: Add Potatoes

Stir in cubed potatoes.

Continue simmering, covered, for 20 minutes.

If you prefer very soft green beans, you can add them at this stage.


Step 5: Add Remaining Vegetables

Stir in green beans and simmer 15 more minutes, until beef and vegetables are tender.

Add corn and peas and cook 5 minutes more, just until heated through.


Step 6: Finish & Serve

Stir in fresh parsley.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve warm with crusty bread.


What to Serve With Vegetable Beef Soup

🥖 Crusty artisan bread
🥗 Simple green salad
🧀 Grilled cheese sandwich
🧈 Warm dinner rolls
🥔 Buttery cornbread

It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but bread for dipping is always a good idea.


Tips for the Best Soup

  • Brown beef in batches for proper searing

  • Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking

  • Simmer gently, don’t boil aggressively

  • Add delicate vegetables (like peas) at the end

  • Let it rest 10 minutes before serving for deeper flavor


Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in airtight container.

Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat.

Flavor deepens beautifully after a day in the fridge.


General Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Difficulty: Easy
Perfect For: Cold evenings, meal prep, family dinners


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.

Can I use ground beef instead?

Absolutely. Brown it fully before adding broth.

How do I thicken the soup?

Mash a few potatoes into the broth or simmer uncovered for 10 extra minutes.

Can I make it low-carb?

Omit potatoes and corn, and add extra green beans or zucchini.


Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~390 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 6g

Values vary depending on specific ingredients used.


Conclusion

Vegetable Beef Soup is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style.

Tender beef. Garden vegetables. Herb-kissed broth.

It’s nourishing, filling, and endlessly comforting — the kind of soup that brings everyone back for seconds.

If you loved this cozy classic, you might also enjoy:

  • Slow Cooker Amish Country Tomato Beef Casserole

  • Crockpot Sausage & Potatoes

  • Onion Soup Pot Roast

  • Instant Pot Spaghetti