Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe | Comfort Food

Winter’s chill brings a perfect time for old-fashioned vegetable beef soup. Its warm, comforting aroma fills the air, reminding us of grandma’s kitchen. This classic recipe has been loved by families for generations.

I remember the excitement when my mom stirred the pot. The savory smell drew us to the table. The beef, potatoes, and vegetables combined in a flavorful symphony. It was more than food; it was a family bond.

Key Takeaways

• This classic soup is a family favorite, featuring tender chunks of beef, mixed vegetables, and potatoes in a rich tomato-beef broth.
• With just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be made on the stovetop or in a crockpot.
• The recipe uses approachable, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find, making it a go-to comfort food option.
• The soup can be customized with a variety of spices and add-ins to suit individual tastes, from chipotle hot sauce to Worcestershire sauce.
• Searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup enhances the overall flavor and texture.

Introduction to Traditional Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup has been a favorite in American homes for many years. It’s a dish that families love, known for its warm flavors and use of fresh vegetables. From grandma’s vegetable beef soup to today’s versions, it remains a top choice for cozy meals.

History of This Classic Comfort Food

The story of vegetable beef soup begins in early American cooking. Home cooks used affordable beef and local veggies to make a filling meal. Over time, each family and region added their own twist, creating many different versions.

Why This Recipe Has Stood the Test of Time

Vegetable beef soup is loved for its easy recipe and ability to change with the seasons. It’s a mix of tender beef, fresh veggies, and a tasty broth. This makes it perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, customizable meal.

“There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of grandma’s vegetable beef soup to warm the soul and bring back memories of simpler times.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

Making a tasty nutritious beef vegetable soup begins with picking the right stuff. You need a savory beef broth, tender beef, and a mix of fresh and frozen veggies. These key parts help make a soup that’s both comforting and full of flavor.

The main ingredients for this nutritious beef vegetable soup are:

• Beef broth or beef bullion
• Diced potatoes
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Stew meat or ground beef
• Butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper

Together, these ingredients make a soup that’s both tasty and good for you. The beef broth or bullion gives it a rich taste. The potatoes and frozen veggies add bulk and texture. The canned tomatoes add a bit of tanginess, and the Worcestershire sauce and spices boost the flavor.

By picking and mixing these essential ingredients for perfect vegetable beef soup, you can make a dish that’s both cozy and delicious. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of this nutritious beef vegetable soup that will soon become a family favorite.

Selecting and Preparing the Best Cut of Beef

Choosing the right beef is key for a tasty slow cooker beef vegetable soup or a beloved soup recipe. Chuck roast is the top pick, known for its tenderness after slow cooking.

Why Chuck Roast is the Ideal Choice

Chuck roast is lean but full of flavor. It gets very tender from the slow cooking. This tough meat turns into soft, delicious bites that go well with the veggies and broth.

Proper Cutting and Seasoning Techniques

• Trim the chuck roast and cut it into 3/4-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Season the beef cubes well with salt before searing. This helps keep the juices in and boosts flavor.

Tips for Achieving Tender Meat

1. Sear the beef in batches to get a nice brown crust. This seals in juices and adds flavor.
2. Use a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon or beef stock to deglaze the pan. It brings out more flavor from the bottom.
3. Slow-cook the beef in the broth for a long time. This breaks down the tough parts and makes the meat tender.

By using these methods and the right beef, you’ll make a slow cooker beef vegetable soup or a family favorite soup recipe that will wow everyone.

Fresh and Frozen Vegetable Options

Choosing between fresh and frozen vegetables is key for a great old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe or beef stew recipe. Both have their benefits, and mixing them can make your dish stand out.

Fresh potatoes, carrots, and celery bring a lively crunch and sweetness. Frozen mixed veggies like peas, corn, and green beans are handy and keep their texture all year.

Don’t use canned veggies, as they can make your soup or stew mushy and tasteless. Mixing fresh and frozen veggies gives you the best of both worlds. It makes your old fashioned vegetable beef soup or hearty beef stew even better.

Creating the Rich and Flavorful Broth Base

Making a great classic beef vegetable soup or homemade vegetable beef soup begins with a rich broth base. This base is key to the dish’s deep flavor that makes it so comforting.

Building Layers of Flavor

Start by mixing beef broth with a few tablespoons of beef bouillon or beef base. This adds a meaty flavor that boosts the soup’s taste. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to make the beef flavor even richer.

Importance of Deglazing

After searing the cubed chuck roast, deglaze the pan with some beef broth. This step scrapes up the browned bits, adding them to the broth. It makes the broth richer and more complex.

When adding tomato paste, cook it for a few minutes first. This caramelizes the paste, deepening the flavor. It adds a sweet note that balances the savory flavors of the soup.

Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Enjoy a warm bowl of grandma’s vegetable beef soup. It’s a classic comfort food loved by many. This recipe shows how simple ingredients can create a flavorful dish that warms your heart.

The soup features tender beef in a rich broth. It also has fresh veggies like potatoes, carrots, and celery. These add texture and nutrients, making the soup both nourishing and tasty.

The secret to this comfort food soup recipe is the layered flavors. Caramelized onions, garlic, herbs, and spices all blend together. They create a delicious taste that reminds you of childhood.

Share this vegetable beef soup with your family. It’s a dish that captures the feeling of home. It will become a favorite in your kitchen.

“A bowl of grandma’s vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hug in a bowl, filled with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a broth that warms the soul.”

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a beef vegetable soup from scratch is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to make a tasty easy beef soup recipe. It will warm your heart and excite your taste buds.

Browning the Meat

First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big stockpot over medium-high heat. Add 1 ½ lbs of stew meat or chuck roast, cut into small pieces. Brown the beef for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s nicely seared on all sides.

Adding Vegetables in Proper Order

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is clear. Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir to coat everything. Pour in 1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes in tomato sauce and 1 cup of water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

1. Add the 2 32 oz boxes of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon, and the remaining ingredients (except the green beans, corn, and peas).
2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. In the last 15 minutes of simmering, add the 1 ½ cups of chopped green beans, allowing them to cook until tender.

Simmering Times and Temperatures

The secret to a rich, flavorful beef vegetable soup is slow simmering. Keep a gentle simmer at low heat for 1.5-2 hours, stirring now and then. This lets the flavors mix and the beef get tender. In the final 15 minutes, add the green beans, corn, and peas to keep their texture and color.

Follow these steps to make a delicious and nutritious beef vegetable soup. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family. Enjoy!

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Make your slow cooker beef vegetable soup last longer with the right storage and freezing tips. This slow cooker beef vegetable soup recipe is a family favorite. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy every last spoonful.

After your slow cooker beef vegetable soup cools, put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. To thaw, just move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight.

When you’re ready to eat it, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir it often until it’s hot all the way through.

For the best flavor, let your slow cooker beef vegetable soup simmer for a few hours before serving. This lets the flavors mix well. You can also add fresh veggies or change ingredients to fit your family’s taste. This family favorite soup recipe will warm your heart and please your taste buds.

Tips for Making Ahead and Reheating

The flavors of this old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe get even better when made ahead. To warm up individual servings, use the microwave. For the whole batch, gently heat it on the stovetop. Add a bit of beef broth if it gets too thick.

This hearty beef stew recipe freezes well too. Divide the soup into airtight containers or freezer bags. Store it for up to 3 months. To thaw, keep it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as you like.

Preparing this old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe in advance is a smart move. The flavors deepen over time. So, make a big batch for those busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

FAQ

What makes this vegetable beef soup a classic comfort food?

This soup is a family favorite. It has tender beef, mixed veggies, and potatoes in a rich broth. It’s been loved in American kitchens for generations.

What are the key ingredients in this vegetable beef soup recipe?

The main ingredients are beef broth, beef bullion, and diced potatoes. You also need frozen mixed veggies, canned diced tomatoes, and stew meat or ground beef. Don’t forget butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Why is chuck roast the recommended cut of beef for this soup?

Chuck roast is tender when slow-cooked. Cut it into ¾-inch cubes and sear it first. This locks in juices and boosts flavor. Seasoning the beef with salt before browning also helps.

What types of fresh and frozen vegetables work well in this soup?

Use fresh potatoes, carrots, and celery. Frozen mixed veggies, corn, peas, and green beans are good too. Avoid canned veggies for better taste and texture.

How do you create a rich and flavorful broth base for the soup?

Mix beef broth with beef bullion for extra flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce for a meaty taste. Deglazing the pan after searing the meat adds flavor. Cooking tomato paste briefly caramelizes it, deepening the flavor.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this vegetable beef soup?

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 2 hours. Prep time is 20 minutes.

How should the soup be stored and reheated?

Cool the soup and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or thaw quickly on the counter. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding beef broth if needed.

How does making the soup ahead of time affect the flavor?

Making the soup ahead improves its flavor. Reheating individual portions or the whole batch enhances the taste.