Grandma'S Vegetable Beef Soup
Hearty vegetable beef soup with tender meat, wholesome vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover beef shanks, celery, and onions in water and simmer in a covered kettle.
- Allow the broth to cool.
- Remove the beef shanks from the broth and cut up and trim the meat.
- Remove excess fat from the top of the broth.
- Dice the potatoes, turnips, and other vegetables and add them to the broth.
- Simmer the soup until vegetables are tender, but do not overcook.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef shanks before simmering. You can substitute the turnips with parsnips for a sweeter taste or use vegetable broth only for a lighter version. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas if desired. Using homemade beef broth can elevate the dish even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Swiss Steak Del Rio for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover vegetable beef soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 1176 calories, with 23g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% 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 use a different cut of beef for this soup?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as chuck roast or stew meat. Just ensure that they are well-marbled for flavor and tenderness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef is tender.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. You can replace the beef shanks with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms or beans for protein. This will still yield a delicious and satisfying soup.
What is the best way to ensure the vegetables don't overcook?
To prevent overcooking, add the diced potatoes and turnips to the broth only after the beef has been cooked and shredded. Monitor the cooking time closely and check for tenderness frequently, as the vegetables can cook quickly.
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).