Mom'S Vegetable Beef Soup
A hearty vegetable beef soup packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect for comforting family meals or cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Generously cover stew meat with water and boil for 15 minutes or until the meat is tender.
- Strain the liquid and chop the meat into spoon-sized pieces.
- In a large stockpot, combine the meat, its liquid, fresh vegetables, parsley, bay leaves, and enough water to cover.
- Add a few teaspoons of bouillon and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Add all canned vegetables along with their liquid.
- Season with salt, pepper, and additional bouillon to taste.
- Heat to a simmer and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat before boiling. You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste or use frozen mixed vegetables if you’re short on fresh ones. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or grated cheese on top before serving. This soup is perfect for meal prep and freezes well for future meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a little water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 670 calories, with 17g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), and calcium (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% 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 other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef stew meat with ground beef for a different texture or even use chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially if using ground meat.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes will also help create a thicker consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
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).