Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup
A hearty, comforting vegetable soup featuring tender beef, fresh cabbage, and a medley of canned vegetables, perfect for warming up family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook beef stew until tender.
- Add green beans, canned tomatoes, corn, peas, chopped cabbage, and diced potatoes to the pot.
- Cook on medium heat for about 2 hours or until all vegetables are done, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth of flavor. You can substitute fresh green beans for canned ones for a fresher taste. If you want to add more protein, shredded chicken or beans can be great alternatives. Adjust the seasoning to your preference with herbs like thyme or bay leaves. This soup is versatile and can be customized with any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of cornbread, reminiscent of the Upside-Down Beef Cornbread. This soup is comforting enough to be a meal in itself but also works well as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or broth to thin it out if it has thickened. Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup contains roughly 853 calories, with 25g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (334% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% 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 instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen vegetables in place of canned ones. Just add them to the pot towards the end of the cooking time, as they cook faster than canned vegetables. This will maintain their color and texture better.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the beef stew and replace it with vegetable broth or a variety of beans for protein. You can also add more vegetables like carrots and bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
What spices can I add for more flavor?
You can enhance the flavor of your soup by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also elevate the taste. Experiment with spices based on your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
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).