If you’re craving a heartwarming dish that feels like a loving embrace in a bowl, look no further than Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This classic soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs simmered together into a rich, comforting broth. Each spoonful is bursting with homemade goodness and nostalgia, making it an ideal go-to for family dinners or whenever you need that satisfying taste of home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious soup, where each element adds its own charm—whether it’s the hearty beef for richness, the fresh vegetables for texture, or herbs for that signature warm flavor.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose quality cuts for tender, juicy beef chunks that soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the beef, locking in moisture and adding depth.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and base flavor to the soup.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a slight kick to every bite.
- 4 cups beef broth: The soul of the soup, providing a rich and savory foundation.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth’s intensity and helps everything cook evenly.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices: Brings a tangy brightness and vibrant color.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and a pleasant crunch when cooked just right.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Delivers a fresh, aromatic crunch.
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide comforting heartiness and help thicken the broth slightly.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Contributes a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweet bursts that perfectly complement the savory broth.
- 1 cup peas: Adds a pop of color and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A subtle herbal note that enhances the beefiness.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Offers a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Gently infuses the soup with an herbal complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear it on all sides until beautifully browned, around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in those rich, meaty juices that form the flavor backbone of the soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their intoxicating aroma. These aromatics create the soup’s inviting character and lay the foundation for the broth’s rich taste.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Return the tender beef pieces to the pot, then add beef broth, water, diced tomatoes with their juices, dried thyme, dried basil, the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Hearty Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Leave the pot uncovered and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes more, until these vegetables become perfectly tender but still hold their shape—adding texture and heartiness to every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish with Sweetness and Freshness
Stir in the corn and peas last, cooking for an additional 5 minutes to warm them through without losing their sweetness and pop. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Your classic Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a refreshing lift to the hearty soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan can elevate the richness even more.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every last bit of the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour the soup into charming, rustic bowls for a cozy feel. For a fun twist, serve it in individual bread bowls for an irresistible carb-and-soup combo. Adding a cinnamon stick during simmering infuses a surprising warm undertone for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have deepened. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy multiple comforting meals.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or thick freezer bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room at the top for expansion. This way, you’ll have a ready-to-go homemade meal that simply needs reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the vegetables tender and fresh. Alternatively, microwave in safe containers for quick lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef will cook faster and offers a different texture, but for the traditional hearty chunks that melt in your mouth, stew meat is preferred. If using ground beef, brown it thoroughly and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and canned tomatoes. It’s a perfect cozy meal for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in your favorites like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale. Just be mindful of cooking times, adding tender vegetables later to avoid overcooking.
How can I deepen the flavor?
Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering enriches the broth and creates layers of complex flavor. A few dashes of hot sauce also add a pleasant zing.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes right in or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds body without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, cozy hug. It’s a timeless dish filled with love, flavor, and nourishing ingredients—perfect for slowing down and savoring life’s simple joys. Trust me, once you make this soup, it will become one of your cherished classics too. So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and dive into this comforting bowl of home-cooked happiness!
Print
Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting classic American dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with an array of fresh vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this homemade soup combines rich flavors from seared beef, garden-fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a rolling boil.
- Simmer Beef: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Add Root Vegetables and Green Beans: Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Finish with Corn and Peas: Stir in the corn kernels and peas. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering.
