Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (2024)

Ever feel like transforming your kitchen into a cozy, soup-filled haven? Look no further! Our old-fashioned vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just two hours, and packed with hearty goodness. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, all you need is a mix of beef stew meat, fresh veggies, and some pantry staples. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a classic American soup that practically cooks itself?

In case you’d rather watch:

This homemade soup doesn’t just taste amazing; it also brings a bit of nostalgia to the table. Browned beef, sautéed veggies, and a simmering pot of beef broth, tomatoes, and spices make this easy vegetable beef soup a community favorite. To top it off, add some frozen corn, peas, and a splash of hot pepper sauce for an extra kick. Don’t forget the garnish of fresh ground black pepper or crumbled saltines for that perfect finishing touch.

And hey, if following a recipe isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered.

Check out the attached videos for some fun, step-by-step guidance. Soup’s up!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup (Easy Recipe)

Crafting that savory and comforting old-fashioned vegetable beef soup begins with key homemade soup essentials. Let’s dive into the delightful vegetable beef soup ingredients that will make your soup sing!

• Beef Stew Meat: Opt for tender beef stew meat cut into bite-size pieces. This ensures every spoonful is hearty and satisfying.
• Fresh Ingredients: You’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients like onions, celery ribs, and either baby or regular carrots. Don’t forget the potatoes, peeled if preferred, as they add a creamy texture.
• Frozen Vegetables: Keep it simple and practical with staples like frozen corn and peas. Their convenience doesn’t compromise their texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring a rich, tangy flavor that complements the other vegetable beef soup ingredients.
• Broth and Seasonings: Use beef broth for a base, and enhance the taste with bay leaves, garlic powder, and a dash of hot pepper sauce for that subtle heat.
• Olive Oil and Water: Olive oil helps sauté the veggies to golden perfection, while water, blended with the broth, forms the soul-warming soup base.

Now that you’re familiar with the homemade soup essentials, you’re all set to whip up some heartwarming soup magic in your kitchen. Don’t worry, we also have some video tutorials to guide you through each step, making this culinary journey foolproof and fun!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Ever wondered how to achieve that rich, comforting flavor in your soup? Cooking old-fashioned soup isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Follow these classic soup recipe steps for a delightful pot of goodness.

Begin with some easy soup preparation. Start by cutting your beef into small, bite-size pieces, and then brown them in a hot pot coated with a bit of oil until all sides are deliciously golden. This step locks in the flavor.

Once browned, set the beef aside and let’s move on to the veggies. Sauté onion and celery until they achieve that beautiful golden hue. This not only cooks the veggies but also infuses your soup with a deeper flavor profile.

Next, return the browned beef to the pot. Now, it’s time to add beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and seasonings. Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer. This simmering vegetable beef soup will begin to fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas.

Here’s a pro tip for you – add peas and a splash of hot sauce towards the end. This keeps the peas tender and adds a bit of zest to your soup’s flavor.

Once everything is perfectly tender and well mingled, you’re ready to serve! Elevate your dish by topping it off with your favorite seasonings or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. There you have it, your homemade soup instructions for a warm, hearty meal.

And guess what? I’ve also added some videos for those who love a good visual guide. Check them out and let this cooking adventure begin!

Tips and Tricks

Elevate your culinary skills with these expert soup making tips to perfect your hearty vegetable beef soup. One essential technique is to properly brown the meat. This step might seem small, but it adds a depth of flavor that takes your soup from good to spectacular. Browning the beef stew meat in olive oil until it reaches a rich, caramelized color forms a robust base for your soup.

Don’t rush sautéing the vegetables. Ensuring they turn golden will enhance the overall flavor of the soup. By taking the time to sauté onions, celery, and carrots to golden perfection, you’re not just softening them, but also building layers of taste that meld beautifully in the final dish. This trick is a game-changer in enhancing soup flavor.

Another key tip is to simmer the soup uncovered. Doing this allows some liquid to evaporate, which concentrates the broth and intensifies flavors. Stir occasionally to avoid any sticking, and you’ll achieve a richer and thicker consistency. Remember, cooking soup perfectly often means not over-stirring; let it develop its character on its own.

Lastly, timing is everything when adding delicate ingredients. Incorporate frozen peas and hot pepper sauce towards the end of cooking. This preserves their vibrant colors and textures, adding a fresh contrast to the rich broth. Season just before serving with freshly ground black pepper or crumbled saltines for that extra punch. For you visual learners, we’ve added some videos you can watch for different beef soup techniques—having options is always a plus!

FAQ

What kind of beef is best for making this old-fashioned vegetable beef soup?

You’ll want to use beef stew meat cut into small, bite-size pieces for this recipe. It cooks well over time and helps add a rich, meaty flavor to the soup.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for this soup?

Absolutely! Using fresh ingredients like onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes can add a foundational flavor. While frozen corn and peas are convenient and help retain texture, you can also opt for fresh versions if you prefer.

How long does it take to cook this homemade vegetable beef soup?

The entire process takes about 2 hours. This includes browning the meat, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering the soup until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.

Can I make this easy vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply follow the steps for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

What seasonings are recommended to enhance the flavor of this hearty soup recipe?

The recipe calls for garlic powder and bay leaves, but you can also finish the soup with freshly ground black pepper or crumbled saltines. Adding hot pepper sauce towards the end of cooking adds a nice kick.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the soup?

Browning the meat is highly recommended as it enhances the depth of flavor in the soup. It also helps to lock in the juices, making the beef more tender and flavorful.

How should I store leftovers of this classic American soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding more broth as needed.