Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Days

Hearty beef vegetable soup can warm even the coldest winter afternoons with its rich, comforting flavors.

My grandmother first shared this treasured recipe during chilly thanksgiving gatherings.

Chunks of tender meat mingle with vibrant seasonal vegetables in a savory broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Each spoonful carries memories of home-cooked meals and cozy kitchen moments.

Seasonal produce and slow-simmered beef create a nutritious meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Quick to prepare and deeply nourishing, this soup transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

You’ll find yourself craving these delightful flavors again and again.

What Goes Great with Beef Vegetable Soup

• Choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef flavors, enhancing the soup's hearty and savory profile with its tannic structure.
• Select a crusty, tangy sourdough that provides a perfect textural contrast and helps soak up the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying dining experience.
• Offer a side of aged cheddar that cuts through the soup's richness, adding a creamy, sharp note that elevates the overall taste and complexity of the meal.
• Prepare a light, fresh salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and crunchy vegetables to balance the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich beef and vegetables.

How to Make Beef Vegetable Soup Your Own

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace beef with chicken breast or turkey for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute beef with hearty plant-based alternatives like seitan, mushrooms, or firm tofu, maintaining the soup's nutritional profile and satisfying consistency.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Version: Eliminate potatoes and replace with cauliflower chunks, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's traditional vegetable medley and comforting qualities.

Why Beef Vegetable Soup Is a Cold-Weather Hero

• A hearty, one-pot meal that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful of rich, savory goodness.
• Minimal prep work and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy families, taking just over an hour from start to finish.
• Loaded with protein from beef and a colorful array of vegetables, delivering a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, can be made ahead, and freezes beautifully for convenient meal planning and leftovers.

What You’ll Need for Beef Vegetable Soup

• Beef: Rich, hearty meat that provides the soup's robust base flavor. Choose chuck roast or stew meat for tender results.
• Beef Broth: Liquid foundation that adds deep meaty flavor and moisture to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds foundational flavor. Fresh vegetables work best for crisp texture.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and thickness to the soup. Russet or Yukon gold varieties recommended.
• Frozen Peas: Bright green vegetable that provides sweet burst of color and nutrition.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall soup depth.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all ingredient flavors.
• Basil, Oregano, Thyme: Dried herbs that contribute complex herbal notes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that adds umami and depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for bright, fresh finish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for searing beef and sautéing vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and subtle sweetness to soup base.

Instructions for Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle beef chunks with salt and black pepper. Carefully place meat into the hot pan, creating a golden crust on all sides. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer browned beef to a separate plate.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery

Cook vegetables for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Toss in minced garlic and stir for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 50-60 minutes until meat becomes incredibly tender.

Step 4: Finish with Green Vegetables

Stir in frozen peas and cook for 8-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle steaming stew into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Accompany with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips to Deepen the Flavor of Beef Vegetable Soup

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Pat beef dry before searing to create a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in rich, deep flavors and ensures tender meat.
• Vegetable Timing Matters: Add softer vegetables like peas later in cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
• Boost Soup's Depth: Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after searing beef to capture all the delicious browned bits and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for an even more delicious meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap beef with chicken or make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein and vegetable broth for a versatile, adaptable recipe.

How to Store and Warm Up Leftover Beef Soup

• Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup appears too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Pour into a pot and reheat gradually over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain consistent temperature and prevent burning.

Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Midwestern beef vegetable soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chunks of beef with garden-fresh vegetables. Rich broth and robust flavors make this classic recipe a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fresh Vegetables:

• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (454 grams) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquids, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by seasoning beef cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for optimal meat caramelization.
3. Carefully place seasoned beef into the pot, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior by searing approximately 4-5 minutes on all sides.
4. Transfer browned beef to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful meat drippings in the pot for vegetable sautéing.
5. Introduce a mirepoix of diced onions, carrots, and celery into the same pot, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence for 4-5 minutes.
6. Mince garlic and incorporate into the vegetable mixture, stirring briefly to prevent burning and enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Reintroduce the seared beef into the pot, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
8. Pour beef broth over the meat and vegetables, then add diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs including basil, oregano, and thyme.
9. Include cubed potatoes to provide hearty substance and texture to the soup.
10. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot to trap moisture and develop deep flavors.
11. Allow the soup to slowly cook for 50-55 minutes, ensuring beef becomes tender and vegetables absorb the rich, complex seasonings.
12. During the final cooking stage, introduce frozen peas for a burst of color and subtle sweetness.
13. Taste and meticulously adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed to balance the overall flavor profile.
14. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
15. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Selecting high-quality beef cuts like chuck roast ensures tender, flavorful meat that falls apart during slow cooking.
• Pat beef dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, which locks in rich flavors and creates delicious caramelization.
• Customize the soup by adding alternative vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for varied nutrition and taste profiles.
• Make this soup diet-friendly by using lean beef cuts, increasing vegetable proportions, or substituting broth with low-sodium options for heart-healthy modifications.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg