When the air gets cooler and leaves start falling, nothing beats the smell of homemade beef stew. This old-fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe is a family favorite, loved for generations. It’s a dish that warms the heart, reminding us of life’s simple joys and the happiness of sharing meals with family.
I still remember Sundays in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her make this classic soup. The vegetables sizzling, the beef broth’s rich scent, and the tender meat created a memorable experience. This recipe is more than just food; it’s a blend of family history, cherished traditions, and the comfort of homemade cooking.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Cold Weather
When it gets cold and the days get shorter, nothing beats a warm bowl of one-pot meal vegetable beef soup. This recipe has been loved for generations. It’s a perfect mix of slow-cooked vegetables and tender beef in a rich broth.
This soup is packed with potatoes, carrots, and other fresh veggies. It’s a meal that will warm you up inside. The flavors, thanks to Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves, are amazing.
What makes this soup special is the care in cooking it. Seared beef keeps the meat juicy. Slow cooking blends the flavors, making it a cozy dish.
Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s a hit. Serve it with bread or a salad for a full meal. It’s sure to make you feel cozy and happy.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour 40 minutes | 2 hours | 6 servings |
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 424 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 98mg |
| Sodium | 708mg |
| Potassium | 1538mg |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 4659IU |
| Vitamin C | 36mg |
| Calcium | 78mg |
| Iron | 5mg |
This one-pot meal is a true comfort food. It’s filled with slow-cooked vegetables and tender beef in a tasty broth. It’s perfect for a chilly day, filling your home with a loved family recipe smell.
“A bowl of this soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s the ultimate comfort food.”
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: A Family Tradition
In many homes, the smell of grandma’s vegetable soup on the stove brings back happy memories. This rustic soup recipe has been passed down for years. It’s a tradition that brings warmth and joy to families.
Grandmother’s Secret Cooking Methods
The secret to this family recipe is in the slow-cooked broth and the mix of seasoned beef and fresh veggies. It includes 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. The ingredients are 1 small cabbage, 1 large yellow onion, 1 large green bell pepper, and 2 celery ribs. A 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds a special flavor.
Traditional Ingredients Overview
- Beef roast, boiled for 1 ½ to 2 hours until fall-apart tender
- Beef broth and beef bullion for a rich, savory base
- Diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, and canned tomatoes
- Stew meat or ground beef for heartiness
Modern Adaptations of Classic Recipe
Many now prefer using modern appliances for this vegetable beef soup. It can be made easily in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. This way, the flavors blend well, and the beef becomes tender. The recipe makes enough for leftovers that can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months in vacuum-sealed bags.
“This soup is the embodiment of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a recipe that has been cherished and perfected over the years, and every spoonful transports me back to my childhood.”
Essential Ingredients for Rich Flavor
To make a delicious beef broth soup or winter comfort food like a hearty beef stew, you need the right ingredients. The quality of the beef, the variety of vegetables, and the right broths and seasonings are key. They all work together to create a rich, satisfying soup.
Premium Cuts of Beef Selection
Choose beef chuck roast cut into 3/4-inch cubes for the best flavor and texture. This cut ensures your soup is tender and full of flavor. Don’t use pre-packaged stew meat, as it can be inconsistent in quality.
Fresh and Frozen Vegetable Options
- Carrots, celery, and onions create the soup’s aromatic base.
- Mushrooms, potatoes, and green beans add heartiness and texture.
- Frozen vegetables like corn and green beans are convenient and keep their nutrients.
Broth and Seasoning Combinations
Use beef broth or beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, garlic, and onion powder for flavor. Adding tomato paste and diced tomatoes makes the soup even richer and more savory.
By choosing the right ingredients and using traditional cooking methods, you can make your beef broth soup or winter comfort food incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect homemade vegetable beef soup is easy and rewarding. Start by searing the beef to keep its juices in and boost the flavor. Then, sauté the onions until they’re soft and smell great. Add the mixed vegetables and diced potatoes next.
Next, pour in diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and beef bullion. This mix creates a strong base for the soup. Finish by adding bay leaves and bringing it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
This long simmer makes the vegetables tender and the flavors rich. With 20 minutes of prep, the total cooking time is about 2 hours. This effort results in a delicious homemade vegetable beef soup.
- Sear the beef over high heat to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the mixed vegetables and diced potatoes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and beef bullion.
- Add bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
This simple method makes a homemade vegetable beef soup with deep flavors. The 2-hour cooking time, including 20 minutes of prep, is worth it. This soup is a comforting and easy soup recipe for any day.
“This homemade vegetable beef soup is a true delight! The flavors are so well-balanced and the texture is just perfect. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.”
Mastering the Perfect Beef Searing Technique
Getting the perfect sear on your beef is key for a tasty and tender base in your vegetable beef soup. It’s all about controlling the temperature and timing your searing. With a few simple tips, you can get mouthwatering, caramelized beef chunks that elevate your soup.
Temperature Control Tips
For a good sear, use medium-high heat. This high heat quickly browns the beef searing pieces. It keeps the inside tender and juicy. Keep an eye on your heat and adjust it to keep the temperature even.
Timing and Browning Methods
- Put the beef in the hot pan or pot in batches. Don’t overcrowd it, or you’ll steam instead of sear.
- Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning it often for even browning.
- Look for a deep, golden-brown crust on the beef. This crust is where most of the flavor is.
- Don’t move the beef too much while searing. Letting it develop a crust first adds more flavor and texture.
Mastering beef searing brings out a rich flavor that turns your vegetable beef soup into a cozy, homemade dish. With the right temperature and searing method, you’ll get tender, juicy beef chunks. Your family and guests will love it.
Creating the Ultimate Soup Base
Making a rich and flavorful soup base is key for this classic vegetable beef soup. The secret to a great rich tomato-beef broth is in choosing and preparing the right ingredients.
Start by cooking tomato paste in the pan for about a minute. This step caramelizes the sugars, adding depth and complexity. Then, add a splash of beef stock to deglaze the pan. This brings out the browned bits, making the broth richer.
To get a thicker broth, whisk in some flour to the simmering stock. This will thicken the broth, making it velvety. The mix of beefy broth, tomato, and flour is the base of this comforting soup.
“The key to a truly exceptional vegetable beef soup is the development of a robust, savory broth that serves as the flavor backbone for the entire dish.”
By focusing on building a rich tomato-beef broth, you’ll get a flavorful soup base. This will make your vegetable beef soup even more delicious.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs Slow Cooker
Preparing the classic crockpot beef soup offers a few options. You can choose between the traditional stovetop soup recipe and the slow cooker version. Both methods yield tasty results, but they differ in texture and flavor.
Traditional Stovetop Method
The stovetop version simmers for about 2 hours. This method lets you control the cooking closely. It ensures the beef is browned and the veggies are tender.
The long simmering time also enriches the broth. It becomes full of savory depth.
Slow Cooker Adaptation Guide
The slow cooker adaptation is great for those who want a hands-off approach. Just add all the ingredients to your crockpot. Let it cook for 5-6 hours on low.
This method makes the beef tender and the veggies soft.
Both methods result in a comforting crockpot beef soup. Choose based on your schedule and preferences.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Texture and Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 2 hours | Firm beef, concentrated broth |
| Slow Cooker | 5-6 hours on low | Tender, fall-apart beef, soft vegetables |
Whether you choose the stovetop soup recipe or the slow cooker version, you’ll get a hearty crockpot beef soup. Pick the method that suits you best. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic dish.
Tips for Enhanced Flavor and Texture
To make your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup better, try deglazing the pan after cooking the meat and veggies. This step adds all the browned bits from the bottom, giving the soup a richer taste. You can also add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or red wine for a deeper flavor.
For a thicker, more comforting soup, cut your potatoes and veggies into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and adds to the soup’s hearty feel. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes or more until the veggies are tender.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and comforting Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. The mix of soup flavor enhancement and hearty soup texture will make it a hit with your family.