Vegetable Beef Soup(Makes As Much As You Need)
A hearty vegetable beef soup combining tender stew beef, fresh and frozen vegetables, herbs, and barley for a satisfying, flavorful meal suited for family gatherings or comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 lb. can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 or more stalks celery and leaves ⓘ
- 2 to 20 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1 cup barley, soaked ⓘ
- stew beef, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 large or small onion ⓘ
- 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- some pepper ⓘ
- 1 package frozen or 2 cans mixed vegetables ⓘ
- butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 to 3 loaves frozen bread dough (unless you either have a good bakery nearby or a few hours!) ⓘ
- butter or margarine (whatever!) ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the beef stock by combining condensed beef broth with water.
- In a large pot, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add stew beef, chopped into small pieces, and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in sliced carrots, chopped celery, and optional fresh vegetables; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the prepared beef stock and canned or frozen tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes if whole.
- Add soaked barley, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until vegetables and beef are tender.
- Add frozen or canned mixed vegetables during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Optional: prepare bread dough or bread to serve alongside the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Vegetable Beef Soup, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the broth. If you don’t have barley, quinoa or rice can be good substitutes. For a quicker option, use pre-cut frozen vegetables. Ensure to sauté the garlic and onion well for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or breadsticks, making it a perfect comfort meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner. For a twist, serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Beef Soup(Makes As Much As You Need) contains roughly 528 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% 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 any type of beef for this soup?
Yes, you can use different cuts of beef such as chuck or brisket, but ensure they are cut into small pieces for even cooking. Ground beef can also be used, although it will alter the texture slightly.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! You can add potatoes, green beans, or peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.
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).