Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. This hearty, nourishing soup is a true classic, filled with tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a soul-warming meal, this soup is not only delicious but also simple to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings back memories of home-cooked meals from childhood. Read on to discover how to make this timeless dish, along with tips and variations to make it your own.

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What is Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a traditional soup that has been a staple in kitchens for generations. It’s made with tender beef, slowly simmered with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans, all cooked in a flavorful broth. This soup is known for its deep, comforting flavors and nourishing qualities. It’s a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, making it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients List for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

To make a delicious pot of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 2 cups of water
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup (Optional Add-Ins)

Customize your soup with these optional add-ins to suit your taste:

• ½ cup of barley (for added texture and heartiness)
• ½ cup of chopped cabbage (for extra vegetables)
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (for an earthy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (for a richer tomato flavor)
• ½ cup of diced bell peppers (for added color and sweetness)
• ¼ cup of red wine (for a deeper, more robust flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, including broth and optional add-ins, are gluten-free. Substitute the barley with quinoa or omit it entirely.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and corn, and add more low-carb vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or zucchini.
• Spicy Beef Soup: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Slow Cooker Version: Prepare this soup in a slow cooker for a convenient, hands-off cooking method. Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make a hearty and flavorful Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup:

1. Brown the Beef: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Deglaze the Pot: If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds depth to the flavor of the soup. Let the wine reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine. Return the browned beef to the pot.
5. Incorporate the Vegetables and Herbs: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, bay leaf, thyme, and basil to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
7. Add the Peas and Corn: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the peas and corn to the pot. Continue to simmer until these vegetables are heated through.
8. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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

Here’s a quick guide to help you master the art of making Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup:

1. Brown the Meat First: Browning the beef creates a flavorful base and adds depth to the soup.
2. Sauté for Flavor: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding the liquid layers more flavor into the soup.
3. Slow Simmering: Slow simmering allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Add Vegetables in Stages: Adding more delicate vegetables like peas and corn towards the end ensures they remain tender-crisp.
5. Adjust Seasoning at the End: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure a balanced flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Browning the Beef Properly: Skipping the browning step or not browning the beef enough can result in a less flavorful soup.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Add vegetables at the appropriate stages to avoid them becoming too soft and losing their texture.
• Using Low-Quality Beef: Choose a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, like chuck or stew meat, for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Forgetting to Stir: Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Not Adjusting the Seasoning: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be as delightful as making it. Here are some tips to elevate your presentation:

• Use Hearty Bowls: Serve the soup in deep, rustic bowls to keep it warm and inviting.
• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds color and a fresh flavor to the soup.
• Serve with Bread: A side of crusty bread or homemade rolls is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Top with Grated Cheese: For an extra touch of indulgence, top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese.
• Pair with Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the hearty flavors of the soup.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

• As a Main Course: Serve generous bowls of soup as a satisfying main dish, accompanied by a simple green salad and bread.
• For a Casual Gathering: Offer the soup in a large pot or Dutch oven at the center of the table, allowing guests to help themselves.
• For Meal Prep: Portion the soup into individual containers for an easy and healthy meal prep option that can be reheated throughout the week.
• As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer, especially during a winter dinner party or holiday gathering.

Presentation Ideas for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Make your Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup even more inviting with these presentation ideas:

• Rustic Elegance: Serve the soup in a cast-iron pot or Dutch oven with a ladle, allowing guests to serve themselves at the table.
• Colorful Garnishes: Garnish the soup with a variety of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for a pop of color.
• Bread Bowl: For a fun and hearty presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
• Layered Look: Serve the soup in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and beef.

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Tips

To ensure your Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the Right Beef: Opt for well-marbled stew meat or chuck roast, which becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the soup to simmer slowly to develop a deep, rich flavor and tender beef.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Make It Ahead: This soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it ahead and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

• Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

1. How long does Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup last in the refrigerator?

• The soup will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

• Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding more delicate vegetables like peas and corn in the last 30 minutes.

1. What can I use instead of beef?

• You can substitute the beef with lamb, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

1. Is this soup healthy?

• Yes, Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is packed with nutrients from the beef and vegetables. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

1. Can I use leftover cooked beef?

• Yes, if you have leftover cooked beef, you can add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow it to absorb the flavors without becoming overcooked.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich broth, tender beef, and assortment of fresh vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing meals for the week, or simply craving a bowl of warmth on a cold day, this recipe is sure to deliver. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating some of the suggested tips and variations, you can create a delicious soup that’s uniquely your own. So gather your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy the hearty goodness of homemade Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

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