This vegetable beef soup uses a combination of fresh vegetables, tender beef, and rich broth to create a deliciously hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Beef (1 lb) – You can use stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes. Both cuts are perfect for slow cooking, as they become tender and flavorful. If you want leaner beef, you can opt for sirloin or round steak.
  2. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
  3. Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base.
  4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic provides aromatic, savory flavors.
  5. Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Carrots add natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
  6. Celery (2 stalks, diced) – Celery adds crunch and fresh, mild flavor.
  7. Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced) – Potatoes bring heartiness and substance to the soup.
  8. Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Adds a slightly tangy base to the soup and contributes to the rich flavor.
  9. Beef Broth (4 cups) – The base liquid for the soup. If you want a richer flavor, you can use bone broth instead.
  10. Frozen Green Beans (1 cup) – Green beans add a nice pop of color and crunch to the soup.
  11. Frozen Corn (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and texture.
  12. Bay Leaves (2) – Imparts a subtle herbal flavor to the broth.
  13. Salt (to taste) – Season to bring out the best in your soup.
  14. Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – For a little heat and seasoning.
  15. Dried Herbs (1 teaspoon) – A mix of dried thyme and oregano is a great flavor base.
  16. Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese (for serving).

Step 1: Brown the Beef

The first step in making this soup is browning the beef, which will give it a rich, savory flavor that infuses the entire soup.

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the beef in batches. Let the beef cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a deep, brown crust. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your soup.
  3. Remove the Beef: Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave any drippings or brown bits in the pot, as these will add flavor to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the beef set aside, it's time to sauté the vegetables, which will form the flavorful base of your soup.

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. Add the Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes: Toss in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir the vegetables well and cook for about 5 minutes to help them soften slightly and absorb some of the flavors from the beef drippings.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Now that the vegetables are softened and fragrant, it’s time to build the soup’s flavor with broth and tomatoes.

  1. Add the Beef Broth: Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and bring the soup to a simmer. The broth will help deglaze the pot, lifting any delicious browned bits from the bottom.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including the juices). The tomatoes will add a tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables.

Step 4: Season the Soup

To bring all the ingredients together, it’s time to season the soup.

  1. Add the Herbs: Toss in the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried oregano. These herbs will infuse the soup with subtle, aromatic flavors.
  2. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. The amount of salt will depend on how salty your broth is, so start with a small amount and adjust as you go.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Now comes the most important part: letting the soup simmer to develop the flavors and tenderize the beef.

  1. Return the Beef: Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
  2. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef will become tender, and the vegetables will soften, creating a hearty, flavorful broth.

Tip: If you prefer your vegetables softer, let the soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Frozen Vegetables

Towards the end of the cooking time, it’s time to add the frozen vegetables for that burst of color and texture.

  1. Add Green Beans and Corn: Stir in the frozen green beans and frozen corn. These vegetables will add a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness to the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

After the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning.

  1. Taste the Soup: Take a spoonful and taste the broth. If it needs more flavor, add additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
  2. Remove the Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and top with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up all that flavorful broth.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this soup stores beautifully for future meals.

  1. Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  2. Freeze: You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it down before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
  3. Reheat: When reheating, warm it up on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Tips for Customizing Your Vegetable Beef Soup

  • More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, parsnips, or peas. This soup is incredibly versatile, so you can mix and match based on what you have on hand.
  • Spicy Kick: If you love spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.
  • Use Ground Beef: If you don’t want to deal with cubed beef, you can use ground beef instead. Simply brown the beef with the onions and garlic in Step 2, and continue with the rest of the recipe.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that is both simple and satisfying. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth, it’s a complete meal in a bowl that the whole family will love. With minimal effort and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe will become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the best vegetable beef soup ever!