Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
A hearty, traditional vegetable beef soup packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large stew pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer covered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Enjoy the hot, flavorful soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the beef stew meat before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for more variety. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, consider offering a slice of cornbread or a serving of Uncle Tom'S Famous Sloppy Joes on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove over medium heat. If the soup thickens, add a little beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 1230 calories, with 30g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (238% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2895mg per serving (126% 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 frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables as a convenient substitute. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to ensure they are heated through but not overcooked. This can save prep time while still delivering a delicious soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl according to their spice preference.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef in a pan first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying soup.
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).