If you’re craving warmth in a bowl that fills you up without fuss, this Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Tender chunks of stew beef mingle with vibrant carrots, potatoes, and crisp green beans all simmered gently in a rich beef broth. It’s the perfect antidote to chilly days when you need something both satisfying and nourishing but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Let me take you through everything you need to know to make this soul-soothing classic your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to unlocking the full flavor of the soup. Each component plays its part, from the hearty beef that makes this soup truly filling, to the colorful vegetables that brighten up every spoonful with texture and natural sweetness.
- 1 lb stew beef, cubed: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful bites after simmering.
- 1 cup carrots, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
- 1 cup potatoes, diced: Brings a comforting heartiness and soft texture.
- 1 cup green beans: Offers a fresh snap and vibrant green hue.
- 4 cups beef broth: The rich base tying all the ingredients together with depth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully for extra flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed stew beef and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because browning the beef creates a deep, savory foundation that infuses the soup with rich flavor you can smell and taste.
Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth along with the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. The simmering allows the beef to become tender and lets all those fresh vegetable flavors soften and meld perfectly together.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables have reached just the right softness. Keep an eye on it so the broth reduces slightly and concentrates the flavors but does not dry out.
Step 4: Season and Serve Warm
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavor sings. If you want to add a touch of complexity, a dash of Worcestershire sauce is a lovely secret weapon here. Serve the soup warm to enjoy the full comforting effect.
How to Serve Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns on top can brighten the soup’s appearance and add an extra flavor layer that delights the senses with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the fragrant broth, or a simple green salad for added freshness and crunch alongside your bowl of warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls straight from the oven or offer a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to add tang and creaminess without overpowering the hearty flavors below.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an ideal meal prep option.
Freezing
This Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion!
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and bring back that just-cooked taste and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew beef works best for tenderness after simmering, chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes can also yield excellent results when cooked low and slow.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Just cool it completely before freezing and be sure to reheat gently to maintain the texture of the vegetables and beef.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, peas, or even corn to customize the soup to your liking. Just adjust cooking times so everything reaches perfect tenderness.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering process to kick up the heat while keeping the hearty comfort intact.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it fits nicely with low-carb or gluten-free diets, especially if you moderate the potato quantity or replace them with lower-carb alternatives like turnips or cauliflower.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe enough for those nights when you want all the coziness of a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of wholesome ingredients that come together in one beautiful bowl. Give it a try — I promise it will become your favorite comfort food companion as the days grow cooler.
Print
Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting and hearty soup featuring tender cubed beef, fresh carrots, potatoes, and green beans simmered in rich beef broth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb stew beef, cubed
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed stew beef and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add broth and vegetables: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, then add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and optionally add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Serve the soup warm.
Notes
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables depending on availability.
- Can be made in advance and reheated for better flavor infusion.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the broth before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
