French Vegetable Beef Soup
French Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, a rich tomato and onion broth, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it combines savory, herbal, and cheesy notes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat in salad oil in a large pot.
- Reduce heat and stir in condensed onion soup and 6 cans of water.
- Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and basil to the pot.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced celery, drained wax beans, and drained kidney beans.
- Reheat to boiling, then simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until vegetables and meat are tender.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the soup simmers. If you don't have beef stew meat, chuck roast or brisket can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of onion soup. You can also add your favorite vegetables like green beans or peas for extra nutrition. Check out other hearty beef recipes for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French Vegetable Beef Soup hot, garnished with more grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Bonnie'S Beef Wellington for a special occasion. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of water if the soup has thickened. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 846 calories, with 47g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (331% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop until heated through.
What can I use instead of onion soup?
If you don't have condensed onion soup, you can make a homemade version by sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in a little oil, then adding beef broth and seasonings like thyme and bay leaf to replicate the flavor.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers for a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, and feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika or cayenne.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).