There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of old-fashioned vegetable beef soup. This classic recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and savory broth in a way that warms the soul and nourishes the body. Whether you're looking to serve a hearty meal on a cold winter night or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this vegetable beef soup recipe will deliver. So, grab your apron and settle in—let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this timeless dish.
What is Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Old-fashioned vegetable beef soup is a traditional dish that has stood the test of time for good reason. It's a flavorful and hearty soup made by simmering beef, vegetables, and broth together until all the ingredients meld into a rich and satisfying meal. The beef is typically seared and then slow-cooked, allowing it to become tender and infused with the flavors of the broth and vegetables. This dish is often made in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different vegetables or cuts of beef, depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients List for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
To create this delicious and satisfying soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds): The star of the soup, providing rich flavor and tender meat.
- 2 russet potatoes, chopped: These add a hearty texture and help to thicken the soup as they cook down.
- 1 bag frozen seasoning blend (or just chopped onions): A convenient mix that typically includes onions, celery, and bell peppers, adding depth of flavor.
- 1 bag frozen peas: These sweet and tender peas bring a pop of color and a slightly sweet taste.
- 1 bag frozen green beans: Adding both texture and flavor, green beans are a classic component of this soup.
- 1 bag frozen corn: Sweet corn kernels contribute a pleasant sweetness and additional texture to the soup.
- 4 large carrots, chopped: Carrots add natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue to the soup.
- 1 (32 oz) container beef broth: This forms the base of the soup, providing a savory and rich flavor.
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps to thicken the soup.
- 1 can filled with water: Used to dilute the soup slightly, ensuring the consistency is just right.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the beauties of old-fashioned vegetable beef soup is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Beef Alternatives: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the pot roast with stew beef, ground beef, or even chicken. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture to the soup.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Freshly chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers can replace the seasoning blend, and you can use fresh peas, green beans, and corn if they’re in season. You might also consider adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or parsnips.
- Broth Options: If you want a lighter soup, consider using chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This will slightly change the flavor profile but still result in a delicious soup.
- Tomato Alternatives: If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. You may need to adjust the seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: For added flavor, consider incorporating bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or a touch of garlic powder into your soup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making old-fashioned vegetable beef soup is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps to create your own pot of comfort:

- Prepare the Pot Roast: Start by seasoning the pot roast with salt and pepper. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, sear the pot roast over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. This step locks in the flavors of the beef and adds depth to the soup.
- Add the Broth: Once the pot roast is nicely browned, pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the beef cook slowly over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the russet potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. If you're using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, chop them as well.
- Add the Vegetables: After the beef has cooked for 1-1.5 hours, add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and the bag of frozen seasoning blend to the pot. Stir to combine and continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate the Tomato Soup: Add the cans of tomato soup and a can of water to the pot. Stir well to ensure the tomato soup is fully incorporated into the broth.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Finally, add the frozen peas, green beans, and corn to the pot. These vegetables require less cooking time, so add them towards the end of the cooking process. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, until all the vegetables are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember that the flavor will continue to develop as the soup sits, so be cautious with seasoning.
How to Cook Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize the process:
- Sear the pot roast in a large pot to develop flavor.
- Simmer the beef in broth until tender.
- Add chopped vegetables and continue simmering until tender.
- Incorporate tomato soup and water, stirring to combine.
- Add frozen vegetables and cook until heated through.
- Season and adjust flavors before serving.
This step-by-step guide ensures that your old-fashioned vegetable beef soup will turn out perfectly every time, delivering the rich, comforting flavor you expect from a classic recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can detract from the final dish:
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Adding vegetables too early can cause them to become mushy and lose their vibrant color. Be sure to add the vegetables in stages, starting with those that take longer to cook.
- Undercooking the Beef: The beef needs ample time to become tender, so resist the urge to rush this step. Cooking the beef low and slow will yield the best results.
- Using Too Much Salt: Since this recipe uses canned broth and tomato soup, be cautious with additional salt. Taste the soup before adding extra seasoning.
- Skipping the Sear: Browning the pot roast before simmering it in the broth is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving and presenting your old-fashioned vegetable beef soup can be just as important as the cooking process. Here’s how to make sure your dish looks as good as it tastes:
- Use a Large, Rustic Bowl: The hearty nature of this soup is best showcased in a large, rustic bowl that can hold generous portions.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a touch of color and a burst of freshness to each bowl.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Ladle Generous Portions: When serving, ensure each bowl gets a good mix of beef, vegetables, and broth for a balanced dish.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
This soup is versatile enough to be served in a variety of settings:
- Casual Family Dinner: Serve it straight from the pot, with everyone helping themselves.
- Lunch or Light Dinner: Pair it with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Holiday Gathering: Serve in a large tureen with a ladle, allowing guests to serve themselves.
Presentation Ideas for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and use it as a bowl for the soup.
- Mason Jars: For a rustic presentation, serve the soup in wide-mouthed mason jars.
- Soup Tureen: A vintage soup tureen can add an elegant touch for special occasions.
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: This soup can be made a day ahead; the flavors will only improve as it sits in the fridge.
- Freezing: Leftover soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use stew meat, ground beef, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? A: Absolutely. Fresh vegetables can be used, just chop them and adjust cooking times as needed.
Q: How long does this soup keep in the fridge? A: The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? A: Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Q: What can I do if the soup is too thick? A: Simply add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned vegetable beef soup is a classic recipe that brings together the rich flavors of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth into a single pot of comfort. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or when you need a satisfying meal, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create a delicious, hearty soup that will warm your heart and nourish your soul. Enjoy the timeless comfort of old-fashioned vegetable beef soup and make it your own with the variations and substitutions that suit your taste.
PrintOld-fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
This old-fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe features tender pot roast simmered with russet potatoes, peas, green beans, corn, carrots, and a rich beef broth. The addition of tomato soup enhances the flavor, making it a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
- 2 russet potatoes, chopped
- 1 bag frozen seasoning blend (or just chopped onions)
- 1 bag frozen peas
- 1 bag frozen green beans
- 1 bag frozen corn
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 1 (32 oz) container beef broth
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
- 1 can filled with water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the pot roast on all sides.
- Add the chopped potatoes, frozen seasoning blend, peas, green beans, corn, and carrots.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato soup.
- Fill one of the empty tomato soup cans with water and add it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender, about 2-3 hours.
- Shred the pot roast and serve the soup hot.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or add pasta for an extra hearty dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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