I still remember the first time I made a beef vegetable soup for my crew. It was one of those chaotic after-school afternoons when dinner felt like climbing Everest. I wanted something warm and filling, but quick, so I grabbed some stew meat and veggies from the fridge and hoped for the best. When I finally served that beef vegetable soup, my kids’ faces lit up with surprise—and relief. That moment when they asked for seconds, I knew this wasn’t just soup; it was comfort on a spoon.
Over time, this beef vegetable soup became my go-to when life felt too hectic. It’s the kind of meal where you simmer in the earthy goodness of beef broth soup with vegetables and watch your worries melt away. The best part? It’s simple enough that even a busy mom can handle it without the kitchen chaos spiraling. If you’ve been hunting for a homemade beef vegetable soup recipe that feels like a hug on a chilly night, stick around. This one has made countless dinnertime wins here!
What I love most about this soup is how it brings everyone to the table, hungry and ready for a little family comfort. It’s hearty, wholesome, and flexible—whether you want a thick vegetable stew with beef or a lighter beef broth-based soup. Plus, if you’re curious about slow cooker beef and vegetable soup versions, I’ll share a couple of my favorite shortcuts, too. Fellow comfort seekers, listen: this beef vegetable soup is supper sanity saved, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For this nourishing beef vegetable soup, you’ll want:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for that cozy browning touch)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds natural sweetness and depth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because every hearty beef soup needs it)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (for color and comfort crunch)
- 3 celery stalks, sliced (a flavor base superstar)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (to make it filling and a little creamy)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces (for a fresh veggie punch)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice (no worries if you don’t have fresh—canned works great here)
- 6 cups beef broth or stock (homemade or store-bought—either will warm the soul)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds that subtle earthiness)
- 1 bay leaf (classic in vegetable stew with beef recipes)
- Salt and pepper to taste (because every comforting spoonful needs seasoning)
Tips straight from my busy kitchen: if you’re short on green beans, frozen veggies are a lifesaver here. They do the job and keep the comfort levels high. Also, if beef stew meat isn’t on hand, ground beef works in a pinch for a simpler version of this beef vegetable soup.
Shopping is easy on your usual grocery run; none of these ingredients are exotic. Plus, for my budget-conscious moms: this beef vegetable soup proves delicious doesn’t need to break the bank. Root veggies like carrots and potatoes stretch the stew and make everyone happy.
Before cooking, chopping everything in advance saves precious minutes (and mental energy). And if you want to add a little extra comfort, a handful of pearl barley or small pasta shapes turns this into a stick-to-your-ribs slow cooker beef and vegetable soup.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready for some dinnertime wins? Let’s cook this beef vegetable soup step-by-step, side-by-side.
- Start by patting your beef stew meat dry with a paper towel. This little comfort hack helps you get a nice brown sear instead of steaming the beef. Heat your olive oil in a big pot over medium-high heat and brown the meat in batches. Don’t crowd the pan—that’s a common stumbling block. I learned the hard way! Browning beef adds layers of flavor that make your soup unforgettable.
- Once your beef is golden, set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent. Smelling those aromatics? That’s comfort in the making.
- Add minced garlic next and cook for just a minute. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so watch that closely.
- Now, pile your beef right back into the pot with the veggies. Pour in the beef broth soup with vegetables and canned tomatoes with juice. Stir in dried thyme and throw in that bay leaf.
- Bring the whole comforting mix to a boil. Then, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer is where beef and veggies get cozy; flavors meld, and the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- About 30 minutes before the soup is done, stir in your potatoes and green beans. They cook faster and keep their texture better if you add them late. This way, your vegetable stew with beef stays heartwarming rich but fresh.
- When your soup smells amazing, and the beef is tender, taste and season with salt and pepper. If your soup looks a bit thin, you can simmer uncovered to thicken it—or add a sprinkle of cornstarch slurry for quick thickening.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving (a safety and comfort must!).
If you want to try the slow cooker beef and vegetable soup method, check out this comforting version from Foolproof Living for a low-effort dinnertime win. Slow cookers give you hands-off comfort when your day is already packed (and trust me, mine are always packed!).
How We Love to Eat This!
Here’s the thing about my family: serving beef vegetable soup hot and fresh is a ritual all by itself. The kids adore it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top—something about melty cheese makes it feel extra like a hug. Plus, crusty bread slices make perfect dippers. This beef vegetable soup is dinner that fills the belly and soul.
For round-the-year comfort, I like to swap in different seasonal veggies. Pumpkin or butternut squash in the fall adds sweetness. In spring, asparagus and fresh peas brighten the whole bowl. You can also switch the broth type, lean on homemade beef broth soup with vegetables for deeper flavor, or keep it light with store-bought.
We’ve served this beef vegetable soup at casual friend gatherings, and the feedback is always heartwarming. Guests are often surprised by how much flavor and comfort such simple ingredients give. It’s a cozy staple perfect for weeknights when life’s chaos has you craving easy, filling food.
Leftovers? I’m all about them! This soup tastes even better the next day when flavors mingle more. Heat it up for school lunchboxes or pack it in thermoses for on-the-go family outings. Need more soup ideas? If your kids love this hearty beef soup, they’ll go crazy for my Beef and Macaroni Soup, a fun twist on the classic comforting bowl.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this beef vegetable soup filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The mix of beef and hearty veggies keeps little ones energized. Plus, potatoes and beans add extra staying power.
What if my picky eater won’t try this beef vegetable soup?
Try blending the soup a bit for a smoother texture. Adding cheese or serving with favorite bread can also help ease picky palettes.
Can I meal prep this beef vegetable soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! It freezes well in portions. I usually freeze leftovers in labeled containers so I have cozy meals ready to go on hectic days.
Can I make this beef vegetable soup in a slow cooker without losing flavor?
Slow cooker versions work great. Just brown beef and veggies first to keep that rich taste. Check out this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe for busy day wins from Foolproof Living.
How can I speed up cooking without losing comfort?
Using smaller beef chunks helps tenderize faster. Also, pressure cookers give a shortcut but keep the broth tastes rich.
What can I add for extra flavor in my homemade beef vegetable soup recipe?
A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley at the end lifts the soup beautifully.
My family loves thicker soups—any ideas?
You can mash some potatoes right into the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water during the last simmer to thicken it up.
Do you have favorite sides to pair with beef vegetable soup?
Simple salads, sandwiches, or roasted veggies nearby balance the meal without extra fuss.
Final Thoughts:
This beef vegetable soup supports my family’s comfort food goals by being a simple, reliable dish that wraps us in warmth after crazy days. Here are my beef vegetable soup Comfort Hacks I swear by:
- Browning the beef in batches to build deep flavor
- Adding veggies late so they stay fresh and vibrant
- Using leftovers for quick school lunches or slow cooker backup meals
Our family enjoys variations too: my husband loves adding a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, the kids want cheese melted on top, and I sneak in extra greens for bonus nutrients. Each version feels like the same comforting hug but with a little twist your family will adore too.
The best part? You can make this beef vegetable soup your own way, adjusting ingredients or timing to fit your family’s needs. I hope your cozy kitchen moments grow as rich and comforting as this soup has in mine. Here’s to simple, satisfying dinnertime success with your loved ones!
If you want more inspiration for family-friendly soups, try this comforting roasted vegetable soup or check out my chicken parmesan soup recipe. For a heartier change, my beef and macaroni soup recipe might be just what your busy week needs!
For helpful slow cooker options, spend some time with this Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup {Or Stovetop!} – Spend With … and this Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!) – RecipeTin Eats. These variety-packed recipes keep your dinner game strong, busy moms!
beef vegetable soup
A hearty and wholesome beef vegetable soup packed with tender beef chunks and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans; cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, corn, beef broth, thyme, basil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.