Hearty Veggie Beef Soup is a comforting mix of tender beef chunks, colorful vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out, with a nice balance of meaty goodness and fresh veggies that feel just right on a chilly day.
I love making this soup when I want something filling but still healthy. The best part is how easy it is to customize—sometimes I toss in whatever veggies I have on hand, and it never disappoints. I also like to let it simmer a bit longer so the flavors really come together and the beef gets super tender.
For serving, I usually grab a big bowl and some crusty bread to dunk in the broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when friends are coming over and you want to serve something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: This is the star for rich flavor. Chuck roast cut into cubes works great too. For a leaner option, try stew beef from sirloin.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn add great texture and color. Feel free to swap green beans with peas or add celery for extra crunch.
Diced tomatoes: They add acidity and depth to the broth. Canned or fresh tomatoes both work, but canned is more convenient.
Beef broth: It builds a savory base. If you don’t have broth, water plus a beef bouillon cube works well.
Tomato paste: Optional but adds richness. If you don’t have it, a spoon of ketchup or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can do the trick.
How Do You Get Tender Beef Without Drying It Out?
Cooking beef stew meat until tender is key for this soup’s success. Here’s how I handle it:
- Brown the meat first: This locks in flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan to get a nice sear.
- Simmer low and slow: After adding broth and veggies, keep the heat low. Let the soup gently bubble for at least 45 minutes—this breaks down the beef and keeps it juicy.
- Keep the lid on: This traps moisture and helps tenderize the beef.
Patience really pays off here, and your beef will become tender and flavorful without drying out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning beef and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – helps you stir the soup gently without scratching your pot.
- Sharp knife – makes chopping veggies quick and easy.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface for safely chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your seasoning and broth amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef stew meat with ground beef for a quicker-cooking version that’s just as tasty.
- Add diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
- Stir in some cooked barley or rice to make the soup heartier and more filling.
- Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different aroma and flavor.
How to Make Hearty Veggie Beef Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mixed herbs)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes around 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to cook, allowing the beef to get tender and the vegetables to soften perfectly. So, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and cook them until they’re browned on all sides, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor! Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and smell amazing—about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the Beef Back In:
Put the browned beef back into the pot. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in now and cook it for about a minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Create the Broth Base:
Pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Next, add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
6. Simmer the Soup:
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will give the beef time to become tender and the vegetables to cook through nicely.
7. Finish with Corn:
Add the corn kernels during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking to keep them sweet and crisp.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Once everything is cooked, taste your soup and add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle each with some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s wonderful served with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Soup?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper browning.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen when it sits. Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, bell peppers, or peas according to your taste. Just add them along with the other veggies and adjust cooking times if needed.
