Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe – A Hearty and Comforting Classic

Looking for a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly day? This Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together the best of comfort food with a healthy twist.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just to enjoy a comforting bowl by yourself, this vegetable beef soup will quickly become a favorite. 🌟

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ Hearty & Filling – The perfect balance of beef and vegetables to satisfy your hunger.
✅ Full of Flavor – A rich broth with aromatic herbs and spices makes every bite flavorful.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
✅ Easy to Make – Everything simmers together in one pot for minimal cleanup.
✅ Great for Leftovers – This soup tastes even better the next day!

---

Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

To make this veggie-packed, beefy soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

For the Soup Base:

🥩 1 lb ground beef – You can also use stew beef or lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
🧅 1 onion – Chopped for flavor.
🥕 2 medium carrots – Sliced into rounds or diced.
🥔 2 medium potatoes – Peeled and diced.
🌽 1 cup frozen corn – Adds a little sweetness and color.
🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – For a tangy and juicy base.
🌱 2 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium broth for a healthier version.
🧄 2 cloves garlic – Minced for extra flavor.
🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a fresh, herby taste.
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic herb for soups.
🧂 Salt & pepper – To taste.
🥄 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.

Optional Vegetables:

🫑 1 cup green beans – For extra crunch.
🍄 1 cup mushrooms – For an earthy flavor.
🥬 2 cups spinach – Add some greens for extra nutrients.

---

Substitutions & Variations 💡

✔️ Ground Beef Alternatives – Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute for a different twist.
✔️ Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth and more beans like kidney beans or chickpeas.
✔️ Add More Veggies – Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or parsnips.
✔️ Low-Carb Option – Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower instead for a low-carb version.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

Let’s dive into how you can make this vegetable beef soup from start to finish!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef 🥩

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3️⃣ Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Once browned, drain excess fat from the beef to keep it lean and healthy.

💡 Tip: If you’re using stew beef, brown it in batches and cook it longer until tender.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics 🧅🧄

1️⃣ Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love garlic, feel free to add more for an extra kick of flavor!

---

Step 3: Add the Vegetables 🥕🥔

1️⃣ Stir in the carrots and potatoes. Let them cook for 5 minutes with the beef.
2️⃣ Add the green beans, corn, and mushrooms (if using). Stir to combine everything.

💡 Pro Tip: Use frozen veggies for a quicker option without compromising flavor.

---

Step 4: Pour in the Broth & Tomatoes 🍅

1️⃣ Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
2️⃣ Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

💡 Pro Tip: You can let the soup simmer longer if you have the time—it will deepen in flavor!

---

Step 5: Add the Seasonings 🌿

1️⃣ Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
2️⃣ Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra depth of flavor!

---

Step 6: Let It Simmer 🔥

1️⃣ Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
2️⃣ Add spinach (if using) in the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep it vibrant and fresh.

💡 Tip: For a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.

---

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This vegetable beef soup is a meal on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better!

🍞 With Fresh Bread – Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

🧀 Top with Cheese – Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or even a dollop of sour cream adds richness.

🥗 On the Side – Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

---

Storing & Reheating Leftovers 🧊

This soup is perfect for making in large batches, and the leftovers are even better the next day!

Storing:

1️⃣ Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
2️⃣ For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

🔥 Stovetop – Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
🔥 Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.

💡 Tip: If you freeze the soup, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully as a lighter alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly milder, but still delicious!

2️⃣ Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef, add all the ingredients (except the spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add spinach just before serving.

3️⃣ Can I Freeze the Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers.

4️⃣ Can I Add Beans to This Soup?
Of course! Adding beans like kidney beans, white beans, or chickpeas is a great way to increase the protein content and add even more heartiness.

---

Conclusion – A Comforting Bowl of Soup 🍲

This vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s a meal that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Make it today, and experience the magic of homemade soup that brings everyone to the table. 🍴