Easy and Tender old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfectly Braised Meat

There’s something comforting about a bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup—its warm, hearty flavors can immediately take you back to simpler times, evoking memories of family dinners or chilly afternoons spent curled up at home. Whether you’re trying to replicate a childhood favorite or searching for a nourishing meal, this classic soup has everything you need: tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to make this timeless dish from scratch, along with helpful tips, nutritional insights, and answers to some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into the details of how to make a delicious, homemade Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe.

What Makes Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Special?

When you think of comfort food, Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. This soup is not only simple and nourishing but is also incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover vegetables and create a filling meal that everyone will love. What sets this soup apart is its ability to combine the heartiness of tender beef with the freshness of garden vegetables, resulting in a meal that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients.

One of the key elements of this soup is the beef. Whether you’re using beef stew meat or chuck roast, the long simmering time allows the meat to become tender and flavorful. The vegetables—like carrots, celery, and potatoes—add texture and nutrients to the soup. Plus, it’s an all-in-one dish that requires minimal prep time and is ideal for making in large batches.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Essential Ingredients

Creating a perfect Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Beef stew meat or chuck	1.5 pounds	Cut into bite-sized cubes
Carrots	2 large, sliced	Fresh, peeled
Celery	2 stalks, chopped	Fresh
Potatoes	3 medium, diced	Russet or Yukon Gold works well
Onion	1 large, chopped	Yellow or white onion preferred
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Adds depth of flavor
Tomatoes (canned or fresh)	1 can (14.5 oz)	Diced or chopped
Green beans	1 cup	Fresh or frozen
Beef broth or stock	6 cups	Low-sodium for healthier option
Bay leaves	2	Adds aroma and depth of flavor
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season to preference
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	For sautéing vegetables

With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a soul-warming soup that brings comfort with every spoonful.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making your own Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup from scratch.

1. Prepare the Beef

The first step in making a rich, flavorful vegetable beef soup is to brown the beef. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is heated, add the beef cubes in small portions to brown them evenly. Browning the beef before adding the vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the moisture. After the beef has browned, take it out of the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for the soup. After the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

3. Simmer the Soup

Now that the beef and vegetables are prepared, it’s time to build the soup’s base. Return the browned beef to the pot and add the diced potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The long simmering time allows the beef to become fall-apart tender and allows the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Season to Taste

After the soup has simmered and the beef is tender, it’s time to taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also adjust the seasonings with a little extra garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for more depth.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping. You’ll immediately feel the warmth and comfort that comes from this classic homemade soup.

Tips for Making the Best Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Use Bone-In Beef for Extra Flavor

While stew meat or chuck is commonly used, using bone-in beef can significantly enhance the flavor. The marrow from the bones adds a richness to the broth that’s hard to beat. Simply cook the beef with the bones, and remove them before serving.

Slow Cooker Method

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, set it on low, and cook for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in an even more flavorful soup.

Storage Tips

One of the best things about Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is that it stores well. You can refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let the soup cool before storing it in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Customize Your Soup

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! You can add other vegetables such as corn, peas, or zucchini. If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, consider omitting the potatoes and adding more greens, such as spinach or kale, for extra nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Not only is this soup incredibly comforting, but it also offers a range of nutritional benefits. The beef provides lean protein, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here are just a few of the health benefits you’ll get from this delicious meal:

• Protein-Rich: The beef in this soup provides a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Packed with Fiber: Carrots, celery, and potatoes add fiber to the soup, which is important for digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer.
• Vitamin-Rich: Vegetables like carrots and green beans provide vitamins A and C, supporting your immune system and overall health.
• Low in Calories: This soup is a great choice if you’re watching your calorie intake, as it’s filling without being overly heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of meat in this vegetable beef soup recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter soup, you can use chicken or even pork instead of beef. Ground meat works well too, especially if you want a faster version of this soup.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes, chopped chili peppers, or even a bit of hot sauce to the soup. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can prepare the soup a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply follow the steps for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours, and enjoy a hands-off cooking experience.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup to warm you up on a cold day or to bring a sense of comfort to your kitchen. With its combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s simple to make, and the leftovers taste even better.

Now that you have the recipe, tips, and answers to all your questions, it’s time to get cooking. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make this recipe your own. Once you try it, you’ll see why Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless classic.

Ready to try this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and feel free to share your own tips or variations. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for more comforting dishes like this one!