Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless dish that brings warmth, comfort, and nourishment to the table. Packed with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty, homemade dish. This recipe is straightforward, using simple, wholesome ingredients to create a soup that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is sure to become a favorite.

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What Is Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic, slow-cooked soup that features tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and a savory broth. The soup typically includes beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and sometimes peas, corn, or green beans. The beef is browned and simmered slowly with the vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This soup is known for its rich, comforting taste and is often served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients List for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty Vegetable Beef Soup:

For the Soup:

• 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: The main protein, providing tender, flavorful chunks of beef.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning the beef.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with aromatic warmth.
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a subtle, savory flavor and texture.
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds heartiness and substance to the soup.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice: Adds a rich tomato flavor and a bit of acidity.
• 8 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the soup, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
• 2 bay leaves: Adds an aromatic depth to the broth.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and herbaceous flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the broth.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 cup frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds texture and a mild flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup pearl barley: For added texture and heartiness.
• ¼ cup red wine: To deglaze the pan and add richness to the broth.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.

Substitutions and Variations

This Vegetable Beef Soup is highly adaptable, and you can easily modify it to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the beef broth you use is gluten-free. Avoid adding pearl barley, or substitute it with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free grain.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, or use a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with turnips, cauliflower, or rutabaga to reduce the carb content.
• Different Cuts of Beef: If you prefer, you can use chuck roast, short ribs, or even ground beef for a different texture and flavor.
• Spicy Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a bit of heat.
• Add Grains: Incorporate grains like farro, quinoa, or rice for added texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Here’s how to do it:

1. Season and Brown the Beef

Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The vegetables should be fragrant and slightly caramelized.

3. Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes

Add the diced potatoes and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.

4. Deglaze and Add Broth

If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add the beef broth, browned beef, bay leaves, thyme, basil, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.

5. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Frozen Vegetables

In the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas, corn, and green beans to the soup. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are heated through and the soup is fully cooked.

7. Adjust Seasoning and Finish

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed. If you used bay leaves, remove and discard them before serving.

8. Serve

Ladle the Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.

How to Cook Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap, making this hearty soup involves the following steps:

1. Season and brown the beef: Sear the beef in a pot until browned on all sides.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Cook the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add the potatoes and tomatoes: Stir in the potatoes and canned tomatoes.
4. Deglaze and add broth: Deglaze with red wine (if using), then add broth, beef, and seasonings.
5. Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours until the beef is tender.
6. Add frozen vegetables: Stir in peas, corn, and green beans in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
7. Adjust seasoning and finish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcrowding the Pot When Browning the Beef: If you add too much beef at once, it will steam rather than brown. Brown the beef in batches to get a good sear, which adds flavor to the soup.
• Undercooking the Beef: The beef needs time to become tender, so make sure to simmer the soup for at least an hour or until the beef is fully cooked and tender.
• Not Deglazing the Pot: Deglazing the pot after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables is important because it lifts the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot, adding depth to the soup.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Add the frozen vegetables towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Not Adjusting the Seasoning: The broth, beef, and vegetables all absorb seasoning, so taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce as needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a rustic, hearty dish that can be served in a variety of ways to enhance its presentation and flavor. Here’s how to serve it:

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the soup.
• As a Main Course: This soup is filling enough to serve as a main course. Just add bread and a salad for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Serve in Rustic Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls or rustic-style earthenware to serve the soup, enhancing its comforting appeal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and tang, add a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving.

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Tips

To ensure your Vegetable Beef Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:

• Use Quality Beef: Choose a cut of beef that’s good for slow cooking, like chuck roast or stew meat, as it becomes tender and flavorful when simmered.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef is essential for developing deep, rich flavors in the soup.
• Monitor the Liquid Level: As the soup simmers, check the liquid level and add more broth or water if it reduces too much.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the soup rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld even further.
• Store Properly: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding more broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Q: What can I use instead of beef stew meat?
A: If you don’t have beef stew meat, you can use chuck roast, short ribs, or even ground beef. For a quicker option, use pre-cooked roast beef and add it towards the end of cooking.

Q: Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
A: Yes, you can add pasta, rice, or barley for added texture and heartiness. Just be sure to cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Q: How long does Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored in an airtight container, this soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, making it for meal prep, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is sure to satisfy. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you’ll be able to create a delicious, nourishing soup that’s packed with flavor and texture. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup that everyone will love!

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