Mom’s Golden Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Memories of comfort swirl around this hearty vegetable beef soup that defined countless winter evenings in our kitchen.

Grandma’s weathered cookbook held secrets passed through generations of home cooks.

Robust chunks of tender beef mingle with vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Rich broth simmers slowly, releasing aromas that fill every corner of the house.

Each spoonful carries whispers of tradition and love carefully stirred into every pot.

Robust ingredients dance together, promising a meal that connects you with cherished family moments.

One taste transports you back to childhood dinners filled with laughter and warmth.

FAQs

• Why use stew meat for this soup?

Stew meat provides rich flavor and becomes tender during slow cooking, making it perfect for hearty soups that require long simmering times.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well and can save prep time. Just add them directly to the soup and adjust cooking time slightly.

• How can I make the soup more nutritious?

Consider adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking to boost nutritional value without changing the soup’s classic taste.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

My Mom’s Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with tender beef and colorful vegetables that hugs you like a warm blanket from mom's kitchen.
• Nourish with Simplicity: One-pot meal loaded with protein and veggies, making it a nutritious dinner solution for busy families without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping vegetables based on what's in your pantry, perfect for reducing food waste and adapting to seasonal ingredients.
• Quick Prep, Long Flavor: Minimal chopping and hands-on work transforms basic ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients Needed for Classic Vegetable Beef Soup

• Beef Stew Meat: A hearty protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep, savory flavor to the soup.
• Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Classic soup vegetables that add texture and earthy sweetness.
• Green Beans, Corn, Peas: Colorful mix of vegetables that contribute nutrition and vibrant taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a rich, slightly acidic dimension to the soup's flavor profile.

• Bay Leaves, Thyme: Herbs that infuse the soup with a warm, traditional flavor.
• Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the overall meaty taste of the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle richness.

How to Make Mom’s Favorite Soup

Step 1: Sear and Caramelize Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Carefully place beef stew meat into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Base

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their sweet, savory fragrance, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Introduce Hearty Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery
• Potatoes

Gently cook the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and begin absorbing the rich meaty flavors.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Green beans
• Corn
• Peas
• Beef broth

Sprinkle in bay leaves and thyme.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to blend all ingredients.

Step 5: Slow Simmer and Tenderize

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup gently simmer.

Allow the beef to become meltingly tender and vegetables to cook completely, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper.

Remove bay leaves before ladling into warm bowls.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, homemade goodness.

Pro Tips for Rich Flavor and Texture

• Brown beef thoroughly before simmering to lock in rich flavors and ensure maximum tenderness throughout the soup.
• Add softer vegetables like peas and corn later in cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Use homemade beef broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt levels and enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to create a lower-carbohydrate version of this hearty soup while maintaining its comforting essence.

Variations for Vegetable Beef Soup

• Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off preparation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular beef broth with gluten-free beef broth and ensure all canned vegetables are certified gluten-free.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute beef stew meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace beef with plant-based protein like lentils or quinoa, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meat-free soup.

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Soup

• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve this rich soup with crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up every delicious drop of broth.
• Protein Power-Up: Top each bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese or sprinkle crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and protein boost.
• Freshness Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a bright, vibrant touch and enhance the soup's homemade feel.
• Winter Warmth Meal: Pair with a simple green salad and enjoy this comforting soup as a complete, nourishing dinner perfect for cold evenings.

Storing Mom’s Vegetable Beef Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure soup is steaming hot throughout.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain vegetable texture and prevent overcooking.

My Moms Old-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mom’s old-fashioned vegetable beef soup combines hearty ingredients from her classic midwestern kitchen. Simmering beef, seasonal vegetables, and rich broth create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth or stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust pot over medium-high temperature, carefully searing beef stew meat until golden brown on all exterior surfaces.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce root vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, gently stirring and allowing them to soften and release initial flavors for approximately 4 minutes.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, green beans, corn, and peas alongside rich beef broth, complementing with aromatic bay leaves and earthy thyme.
5. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to meld together.
6. Maintain low heat for 75-90 minutes, periodically checking meat’s tenderness and vegetable consistency, ensuring a rich, deeply developed flavor profile.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a balanced and harmonious soup.
8. Discard bay leaves before ladling the hearty soup into warm serving bowls, presenting a comforting and nutritious meal.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by thoroughly browning the beef, creating a deep caramelized exterior that adds rich complexity to the soup’s taste profile.
• Choose chuck or round steak cuts for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that becomes wonderfully soft during the long simmering process.
• Make this soup more diet-friendly by using lean beef and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutritional value.
• Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for quick, hearty meals during busy weeknights, as the flavors actually improve after sitting for a day.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg