Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s both nourishing and packed full of vibrant veggies and tender beef, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful way to combine simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re easing into a chilly evening or wanting to please a hungry family, this soup brings together the perfect balance of savory ground beef, fresh garden vegetables, and fragrant herbs to make mealtime effortless and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the hearty beef adding depth and protein to the colorful vegetables that brighten both the flavor and appearance. Plus, the herbs and broth work their magic to create a wonderfully balanced soup.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Use ground or stew beef for a rich meaty base; browning it well builds amazing flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps to sauté the beef and vegetables, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion, chopped (1): Provides a natural sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Adds a fragrant punch that infuses into every spoonful.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The heart of the soup liquid, bringing savory notes and comforting warmth.
- Water (2 cups): Helps to balance the broth and ensures the soup is not too thick.
- Potatoes, diced (3 medium): Give the soup a creamy texture and extra substance.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (2): Bring a gentle sweetness and lovely vibrant color.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add bursts of fresh green and a tender bite.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Offers sweetness and a little crunch contrast to the softer veggies.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 14.5 oz): Inject acidity and a subtle tang, balancing the savory flavors.
- Dried thyme (1 1/2 tsp): A fragrant herb that gives an earthy undertone to the soup.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of piney, aromatic depth that complements the beef.
- Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp, or to taste): Gives a mild heat and seasoning balance.
- Bay leaf (optional, 1): Adds subtle complexity and an herbal note when simmered.
How to Make Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or diced stew beef and cook it until fully browned. Breaking it into small pieces as it cooks ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the pot. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. This step builds a delicious flavor base that makes the whole soup sing.
Step 3: Combine Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and undrained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and toss in the bay leaf if you’re using one. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This colorful mix is where the magic begins.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so it simmers uncovered. Let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the vegetables soften and the flavors have the chance to blend beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes give easily to a fork and the broth tastes rich and well-rounded.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf! This final step ensures your Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe bursts with perfectly balanced flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your soup into warm bowls and serve it up fresh and steaming. It’s such a simple, yet satisfying way to share a meal, whether on a cozy night in or as a nourishing lunch for friends and family.
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a handful of shredded cheese on top. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto also adds beautiful color and complexity that complements the hearty soup perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a crusty piece of bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast and keep the meal feeling balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style experience at home. You can also jazz it up by layering it with dollops of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, turning this humble soup into an elegant dinner centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container so it stays fresh and its flavors deepen over time. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weekday dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, cool the soup completely and freeze it in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it convenient to pull out whenever you need a quick, cozy meal.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much in storage. Microwave reheating works fine as well, just cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef?
Absolutely! Ground beef works best for simplicity and even cooking, but stew beef cut into small cubes offers a chunkier texture and can be delicious as well. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly.
Can I substitute the vegetables?
Yes, feel free to swap or add vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or celery depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. The soup is very flexible and forgiving.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. Add frozen peas and corn near the end to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give your soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Experiment carefully, adding a little at a time for your perfect heat level.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth does not contain any gluten additives. Always check labels to be sure or opt for a certified gluten-free broth.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like home in every spoonful. It’s straightforward, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, nutritious, and delicious meal. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’ll soon see why it becomes a favorite go-to in your kitchen as well!
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Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a nutritious meal. Made with tender ground beef or stew beef, a medley of fresh and frozen vegetables, and simmered in a flavorful broth with herbs, this soup is simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
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 Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 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
- Cook the beef: 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 leaner.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add the broth and vegetables: Stir in beef broth, water, diced potatoes, carrots, frozen peas, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Include the bay leaf if desired for extra flavor depth.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors blend beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitterness.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately, perfect for a warming, nutritious meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during simmering.
- You can swap ground beef for stew beef or even ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Frozen vegetables are convenient and nutritious but feel free to use fresh vegetables as well.
- Adjust herbs according to taste – fresh thyme and rosemary can be used instead of dried.
- To make this soup gluten-free, ensure your beef broth is labeled gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
