Name: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 3/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large); 1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium); 1 cup chopped celery (3 medium stalks); 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves); 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes; 1 1/2 cups (5 oz.) chopped green beans, trimmed; 1 1/2 cups frozen corn; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley; 8 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth; 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of goodness that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, you’ve got to try this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — tender chunks of beef mingling with fresh veggies in a savory broth that’s both filling and nourishing. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or just want a satisfying meal prep option, this soup is a total crowd-pleaser. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic recipe in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Real Ingredients: Fresh veggies and quality beef create a rich, homemade flavor you don’t get from canned soup.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A mix of herbs and tender beef broth rounds out every spoonful.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day—making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

A white pot filled with a rich brown broth soup containing multiple layers of ingredients: dark brown pieces of cooked beef, chunks of pale red-skinned potatoes, bright orange carrot slices, green beans, yellow corn kernels, green peas, and small red tomato pieces. The soup is topped with fresh green chopped herbs scattered throughout. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot on a white marbled surface with a blue-gray striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to making an amazing Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. The combination of beef stew meat and a mix of fresh and frozen veggies makes for a soup that’s full of texture and flavor without a ton of fuss.

Beef stew meat: I recommend dabbing it dry before browning to get a nicer sear and deeper flavor.
Olive oil: Dividing the oil helps with even cooking and prevents overcrowding the pot.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet base note that enhances the broth.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory beef.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and freshness to the soup.
Garlic: Minced finely, for that punch of warmth and aroma.
Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Gives control over saltiness while maintaining rich flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and depth, boosting the overall taste.
Dried basil, oregano, thyme: These classic herbs complement the beef beautifully.
Red or yellow potatoes: Cubed, they soak up broth and add that comforting heartiness.
Green beans: Trimmed fresh ones add a lovely pop of green and texture.
Frozen corn: I love the sweetness it offers—they freeze well so you can use them anytime.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end to keep their color and snap.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and added last for a fresh, bright finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in season or what we’re in the mood for. This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is great for experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Swap the beef for turkey or chicken: I’ve tried a lighter version using ground turkey, and it’s still delicious and comforting.
Add different veggies: Sometimes I toss in chopped zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Make it spicier: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika gives this soup a nice kick if you like things bold.
Use vegetable broth for a beef-free alternative: Works well if you still want a veggie-forward hearty soup.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. While it warms up, pat your beef stew meat dry with paper towels—this is a trick I discovered to get a beautiful brown crust instead of steaming. Season your beef with salt and pepper. Then, brown half of the beef in the pot for about 4 minutes, turning halfway to get all sides nicely seared. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest of the beef, adding another ½ tablespoon of oil. This browning step builds that deep flavor foundation.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Vegetables

In the same pot, add a tablespoon more olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they soften and start smelling incredible. Then, stir in your minced garlic and sauté for another minute—don’t let it burn! This step layers the soup with aromatics that really make it taste homemade.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup and Let the Flavors Meld

Pour in your broth and diced tomatoes, then add the browned beef back to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and thyme, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer tenderizes the beef and infuses the broth with all those delicious herb flavors.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Green Beans for Hearty Goodness

Next, toss in your chopped potatoes and green beans (if you like yours very soft, add them both now). Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Corn, Peas, and Fresh Parsley

Stir in your frozen corn and peas, simmering the soup for an additional 5 minutes until they’re heated through but still vibrant. Finally, sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley just before serving to brighten things up. Your soup is now ready to enjoy—warm, hearty, and packed with flavor!

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Pat the Beef Dry: This small step helps you achieve a perfect sear, which locks in flavor and gives the soup that rich beefy taste.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Taking the time to simmer the soup low and slow means the beef becomes tender and the veggies soak up every bit of goodness.
Add Frozen Veggies Last: Corn and peas cook quickly, so adding them near the end preserves their texture and vibrant color.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper, especially since broth and canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

A white bowl holds a colorful vegetable and meat soup with a clear brownish broth. The soup has roughly four layers: the bottom layer is clear broth, the middle layers include chunks of red-skinned potatoes, bright orange carrot slices, green beans cut into pieces, yellow corn kernels, green peas, diced tomatoes, and pieces of cooked brown meat, all mixed together. Fresh parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of green. The bowl is placed on a white plate with small speckles, and near the plate are pieces of torn, soft bread and a crispy fried wonton. The background is a white marbled surface, and part of a woman's hand holding a spoon is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh parsley on top, which adds a lovely, fresh pop and balances the richness of the beef. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a few grinds of black pepper for extra depth. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully, too!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up the broth. On days I want something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls—so fun and inviting! Serving it in rustic mugs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it feel especially homey and perfect for chilly evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. I love that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it lasts up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top because the broth expands when frozen.

Reheating

I reheat my soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the beef tender and veggies from getting mushy. If it seems too thick, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker to make this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the potatoes and green beans halfway through cooking to prevent them from getting too soft, then stir in frozen corn and peas during the last 10 minutes.
What cut of beef is best for this soup?

Beef stew meat works great since it’s usually from tougher cuts like chuck that become tender with slow cooking. You can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin as they can dry out during simmering.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes fantastic the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
How can I thicken the soup if I want it heartier?

If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to stir well and cook a few minutes to remove any raw starch taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. You can add extra beans or lentils for protein, and feel free to load up on all your favorite veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe has become one of my family’s all-time favorites — it’s just pure, simple comfort in a bowl. I love how versatile it is and how easy it is to toss together on a weekend or weeknight. If you give this recipe a try, I bet you’ll notice how the homemade flavors and tender beef make it stand out from the rest. Trust me, once you taste it, this will definitely become your go-to soup for cozy nights. Enjoy every spoonful!