Name: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat; 2 ½ tbsp olive oil, divided; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 ¾ cups chopped yellow onion (1 large); 1 ¼ cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium); 1 cup chopped celery (3 medium); 1 ½ tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves); 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, cubed (about ¾ inch); 1 ½ cups trimmed and chopped green beans; 1 ½ cups frozen corn; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley; 8 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth; 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 ½ tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme

Few things warm the soul quite like a big bowl of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. This classic recipe is packed with tender chunks of beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory broth that’s as comforting as your favorite blanket. Whether you’re whipping it up for family dinner or prepping lunches for the week, the aroma and flavors of this soup make it truly irresistible—plus, it’s a delicious way to incorporate a rainbow of veggies into one dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup keeps it real with simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each addition lends essential flavor, texture, or a pop of color, so you’ll want to use the freshest you can find for the best results.

Beef Stew Meat: Provides rich, meaty flavor and becomes beautifully tender as it simmers.
Olive Oil: Essential for browning the beef and sauteing vegetables, adding depth to the base.
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: These basics heighten all the other flavors, so don’t be shy, season as needed.
Yellow Onion: Gives subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity as it cooks down.
Carrots: Add lovely pops of orange and gentle earthiness to the soup.
Celery: Classic for soup; it brings a welcome crunch and freshness.
Minced Garlic: Sautéed garlic infuses the whole pot with irresistible aroma.
Low-Sodium Beef or Chicken Broth: A flavorful, savory liquid foundation—use low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
Diced Tomatoes with Juice: Canned tomatoes add acidity, color, and a bit of tang to the broth.
Dried Basil, Oregano, and Thyme: This trio brings out the soup’s classic Italian-inspired notes.
Red or Yellow Potatoes: Their gentle starchiness thickens the broth just right and makes every spoonful satisfying.
Green Beans: Bright green color and a tender snap add freshness and texture.
Frozen Corn: For a touch of sweetness and sunny yellow goodness.
Frozen Peas: Sweet, green pearls that cook in seconds at the end.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: Folded in at the finish for a burst of herby brightness.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. With a paper towel, pat the beef dry (this helps it sear instead of steam), then season well with salt and pepper. Working in two batches, brown the beef for about 4 minutes per batch, turning halfway so each side gets some golden color. Browning builds rich flavor for your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup, so take your time here.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once all the beef is browned, add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—your kitchen should smell incredible by now!

Step 3: Simmer the Base

Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes (juice included), then return the browned beef to the pot. Add the basil, oregano, thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This gives the beef a head start on tenderizing and allows flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Next, add your cubed potatoes to the simmering pot. Cover again and let it cook for another 20 minutes. The potatoes will soften, soak up the broth, and add body to the soup.

Step 5: Add Green Beans

Stir in the chopped green beans, then continue simmering (covered) for about 15 minutes. This keeps the beans vibrant and ensures they’re perfectly tender but not overcooked.

Step 6: Finish with Corn and Peas

Now it’s time for the quick-cooking veggies. Add the corn and peas directly from frozen, then let the soup simmer, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. These last-minute additions keep their color and sweetness, brightening up the pot.

Step 7: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley. This final flourish brings fresh flavor and a bit of green vibrancy to your bowl. Ladle up the Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup while it’s warm, and get ready for a seriously satisfying meal!

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Garnishes

Try topping your soup with a handful of freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a savory finish. For a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes go a long way.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I love to serve it with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful broth. Buttery biscuits or a grilled cheese sandwich would also make a delicious, hearty combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try ladling Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup into small mugs as an appetizer, or serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an extra-special touch. Bright soup spoons and a garnish bar (parsley, parmesan, chili flakes) let everyone customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup stays fresh for about 4 days, and the flavors get even better as they meld together.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Once completely cool, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave individual portions for quick lunches or dinners—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, chuck roast cut into cubes will work beautifully and often becomes even more tender. Just avoid lean cuts, which can get tough with long simmering.

Is there a vegetarian version of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup?

Yes! Skip the beef and use vegetable broth as your base, then double up on beans such as kidney or cannellini for satisfying protein and texture.

Can I add or substitute vegetables?

Go for it! This soup is very forgiving—add zucchini, bell pepper, or spinach. Adjust the cooking time for tender veggies so they don’t overcook.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker broth, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot before serving, or stir in some cooked rice or small pasta at the end.

What’s the best way to make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup for a crowd?

Simply double the recipe and use a big stockpot. You can prepare much of it ahead and reheat gently before serving—perfect for gatherings and leftovers!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about gathering around the table with a steaming bowl of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup in hand. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becomes a new family favorite! I hope it brings as much warmth and comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine.