Best Vegetable Beef Soup

Best Vegetable Beef Soup (Easy One-Pot Recipe)

Introduction

There’s something magical about a pot of Vegetable Beef Soup recipe gently bubbling on the stove. The smell of tender beef, sweet carrots, and savory broth fills the kitchen. Pure comfort. This is the kind of soup that warms your hands, your heart, and your whole evening.

I’ve been cooking and testing recipes for over five years, chasing big flavor without complicated steps. This soup grew out of busy weeknights when I wanted something nourishing but unfussy. After many trials (and happily messy kitchens), I landed on a version that’s simple, intensely flavorful, and incredibly forgiving. If I can make this work on a rushed Tuesday, you absolutely can too.

It’s rustic. It’s hearty. And it tastes like love in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is cozy without being heavy and flavorful without being fussy. It comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze, and your stovetop stays calm. The beef gets tender, the vegetables stay bright, and the broth turns rich and satisfying. It’s great for meal prep, loved by kids and adults, and even better the next day. Truly, this is your new go-to homemade soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Vegetable Beef Soup

• 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups beef broth (or bone broth for richer flavor)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How Do You Make Vegetable Beef Soup? (Step-by-Step)

1. Brown the beef.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes until nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the flavor base.
   In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and seasonings.
   Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well.
4. Return the beef to the pot.
   Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.
5. Add potatoes and green beans.
   Stir them in, cover again, and simmer for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is soft.
6. Finish with peas.
   Add frozen peas, simmer 3–5 minutes more, then remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt.
7. Rest for the best flavor.
   Let the soup sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving. The flavors deepen beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the browning step.
   Pale beef = pale flavor. That sear makes all the difference.
2. Boil instead of simmer.
   A hard boil toughens beef. Keep it gentle and steady.
3. Adding potatoes too early.
   They’ll turn mushy. Add them after the first simmer.
4. Over-salting at the start.
   Broth reduces. Season lightly, then adjust at the end.
5. Forgetting the rest time.
   Five minutes off the heat makes the soup taste richer.
6. Skipping the bay leaf.
   It’s small, but mighty for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dunking. A simple green salad on the side keeps things fresh and balanced. On colder nights, I love pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches or buttery garlic toast. And yes, a sprinkle of cracked pepper on top makes it extra cozy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For more extended storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months (the potatoes will soften, but the flavor stays fantastic). Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Information For Vegetable Beef Soup

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Beef Soup is simple, soulful, and absolutely dependable. It feeds a crowd, saves beautifully, and tastes like a hug in a bowl. Grab your pot, trust your instincts, and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions