There’s something magical about a simmering pot of soup on the stove. The gentle bubbling, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, the promise of warmth in every spoonful—it’s comfort in its purest form.
For me, beef vegetable soup has always been one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, hearty, and nourishing, the kind of meal that gathers people around the table without any fuss. Whether you’re coming home on a chilly evening, looking for a wholesome family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
The best part? It’s incredibly flexible. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, make it in a pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, and adjust the flavors to suit your family’s taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for freezing.
Let’s dive into this soul-warming recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Vegetable Soup 🌟
This isn’t just another soup recipe. It’s one that checks all the boxes for busy families, comfort seekers, and health-conscious eaters alike. Here’s why:
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein from beef and plenty of fiber-rich veggies, it keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed. Everything is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything simmers together, building depth in every spoonful.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store it in the fridge or freezer, and you’ve got ready-to-go lunches or dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this soup—it’s cozy, flavorful, and not too spicy.
- Customizable: From adding pasta to making it spicy, you can tweak it each time for a brand-new twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🥕🥩🍅
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Core Ingredients (With Measurements)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef (or stew meat, if you prefer chunky bites)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – flavor booster
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced – natural sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – classic soup base
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed – hearty texture
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes – adds body to the broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – intensifies tomato flavor
- 6 cups beef broth – the flavorful base of the soup
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy, fragrant
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – subtle herby sweetness
- 1 bay leaf – adds slow-simmered depth
Optional Add-Ins (Customize Your Soup)
Want to make it extra special? Try these optional ingredients:
- 1 cup corn kernels 🌽
- 1 cup frozen peas 🟢
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness
- Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Ingredient Substitutions (Flexible & Inclusive)
This soup is adaptable, so don’t worry if you don’t have every ingredient on hand.
- Beef alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
- Potato swap: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash add a unique sweetness.
- Low-carb version: Skip the potatoes and add zucchini or cauliflower instead.
- Vegetarian version: Omit beef, double the veggies, and use vegetable broth. Add chickpeas or kidney beans for protein.
- Herbs & spices: Italian seasoning, oregano, cumin, or even a dash of curry powder can change the flavor profile.
🥄 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
👉 This step is crucial because it builds a flavor base that makes the whole soup taste richer.
🥩 Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef (or stew meat) to the pot.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
👉 Don’t skip browning—it adds depth and prevents the beef from tasting bland.
🥕 Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Let them cook for 3–5 minutes so they begin to soften.
- If you’re using fresh green beans, add them at this stage.
🍅 Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Time to bring it all together!
- Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Add the salt, black pepper, thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
Bring everything to a gentle boil.
🔥 Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally.
- The potatoes and carrots should be fork-tender when done.
- If using frozen peas or corn, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they stay bright and fresh.
🧂 Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning—maybe a touch more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Sprinkle in fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- If you like smoky flavors, add a dash of smoked paprika here.
🍽️ Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve piping hot. Pair it with:
- Crusty bread 🥖 (perfect for dipping)
- Buttery crackers
- A fresh green salad
- Or even a grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate comfort
Alternative Cooking Methods 🔄
One of the best things about this recipe? It adapts to your cooking style. Whether you love the slow simmer of a crockpot or the speed of an Instant Pot, I’ve got you covered.
🕰️ Slow Cooker Method
Perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready by the time you walk through the door.
- Brown the beef in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients (except peas or corn).
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
👉 Result: Super tender veggies and rich, deep flavor.
⚡ Instant Pot Method
Great for when you need dinner fast!
- Use the sauté function to cook onion, garlic, and beef.
- Stir in veggies, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
- Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release, stir, and add peas/corn if desired.
.
🥄 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Making beef vegetable soup doesn’t require fancy gadgets—you only need a few reliable tools:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – ensures even heat and prevents burning.
- Sharp chef’s knife – for chopping beef and vegetables.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir while cooking.
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accurate seasoning.
- Cutting board – sturdy enough to handle meat and veggies.
- Soup ladle – for easy serving.
Optional but handy:
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot (for variations).
- Freezer-safe containers (if you’re meal-prepping).
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed Guide)
🔹 Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté until fragrant—this builds a flavor base that makes your soup irresistible.
Tip: Don’t rush this step! Slowly sweating the onions brings out sweetness and depth.
🔹 Step 2 – Brown the Beef
Add your beef cubes. Cook until nicely browned on all sides. This caramelization is called the Maillard reaction, and it gives your soup that deep, savory richness.
Pro tip: Brown in small batches so the beef sears instead of steaming.
🔹 Step 3 – Add Vegetables
Toss in carrots, potatoes, and green beans (or any hardy veggies). Let them cook with the beef for a few minutes so they absorb flavor before adding liquids.
🔹 Step 4 – Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the pot’s bottom (extra flavor gold!).
🔹 Step 5 – Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for about 45–60 minutes, until beef is fork-tender and veggies are soft.
🔹 Step 6 – Taste, Adjust, and Garnish
Remove bay leaves. Taste your broth—add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. A splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce can brighten flavors.
🔹 Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve with crusty bread. 🥖✨
