There’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm, comforting aroma of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup bubbling away in the kitchen. The sheer simplicity of this dish evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of chilly evenings spent gathered around the table with family. Just think about it: tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, hearty broth all meld together to create a flavor-packed meal that warms both the body and soul.
I found myself craving this nostalgic classic after a busy week filled with takeout and fast food. The moment I decided to whip up a batch, I knew I had stumbled upon the perfect antidote to my weeknight dinner woes. With just a little prep and a slow cooker, this soup practically cooks itself while you carry on with your day.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to some homemade comfort, this easy and delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Grab your pot roast and let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The rich combination of tender beef and fresh vegetables creates a flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to include your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Visually appealing and vibrant, this soup is sure to impress at any gathering while providing that warm, nostalgic feeling of home-cooked goodness.
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
- Pot roast – the star of the dish, yielding tender beef after a long cook time.
- Russet potatoes – adds heartiness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- Frozen seasoning blend – a convenient option for flavor; alternatively, use chopped onions for freshness.
- Frozen peas – sweet bursts of flavor; can be substituted with fresh peas if desired.
- Frozen green beans – provides a lovely crunch; fresh green beans work just as well!
- Frozen corn – adds a hint of sweetness and color to your Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup.
- Carrots – their natural sweetness enhances the broth and provides a pop of color.
- Beef broth – forms the flavorful base; homemade broth can enhance richness.
- Tomato soup – gives a creamy and tangy dimension to the soup.
- Water – used to adjust the soup’s consistency.
- Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
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Season the pot roast generously with salt and pepper, ensuring it’s well-seasoned from the start. This step elevates the dish’s flavors and sets the foundation for that delicious broth.
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Cook the seasoned roast in a slow cooker on LOW with half a can of beef broth for 10 hours, or until it’s beautifully tender. Once done, shred the beef and set it aside.
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Sauté the carrots and frozen seasoning blend in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the soup's overall flavor.
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Combine the shredded beef, chopped potatoes, frozen peas, green beans, corn, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, and the can of water. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Check textures and add more water if needed, ensuring it remains soup-like and hearty.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to plan your week efficiently while enjoying homemade comfort. You can season and sear the pot roast up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the fridge before slow cooking. Additionally, chop the vegetables (carrots and potatoes) and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining their freshness. To save even more time, you can also combine the remaining soup ingredients (broth, tomato soup, and frozen veggies) in a pot and store that mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy your soup, simply slow cook the meat, sauté the veggies, and then add the pre-prepped ingredients to boil and simmer for delicious results that are just as comforting as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Cozy up your mealtime with delightful pairings that complement the heartwarming flavors of your soup.
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Crusty Bread: The perfect companion for dipping, it absorbs the rich broth, enhancing each flavorful bite.
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Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens and vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the hearty soup, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these create a delightful contrast to the soup while adding a comforting, familiar touch.
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Cheddar Biscuits: Their cheesy richness harmonizes wonderfully with your soup, making each bite a warm hug for your taste buds.
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Pickled Veggies: The tanginess can cut through the richness of the soup, offering an exciting flavor boost that sparks interest.
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Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with this warm dessert, which adds a comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory soups.
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Hot Apple Cider: Pair your soup with a warm mug of spiced cider; its sweetness and warmth echo the coziness of your meal.
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Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine enhances the savory notes in the soup while inviting you to linger over dinner longer.
Each of these selections works effortlessly to create a memorable dining experience, making your comforting bowl of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup the star of the show!
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this comforting soup to suit your taste!
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during simmering for a fragrant twist. These herbs elevate the soup's flavor profile beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful heat. A little spice can transform the soothing qualities of this dish into a bold flavor experience.
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Vegetable Swap: Use fresh seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers based on what you have on hand. This not only diversifies the flavor but also makes it a vibrant, colorful dish.
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Beans Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed beans, like kidney or black beans, for extra protein and heartiness. They add both texture and nutritional value to your soup.
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Lentil Twist: Incorporate cooked lentils instead of or in addition to the meat for a hearty vegetarian option. This makes it perfect for those days when you want something comforting yet plant-based.
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Cheesy Delight: Top each bowl with shredded cheese just before serving for a creamy, indulgent touch. The melted cheese adds richness that pairs wonderfully with the vegetables.
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Coconut Cream: For an unexpected twist, use coconut milk instead of some broth for a creamy, tropical flavor profile. This gives the soup a unique dimension that intrigues the taste buds.
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Italian Flair: Stir in Italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a twist that teeters on the edge of a hearty Italian stew. This enhances the overall flavor and takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
By incorporating these variations, you can keep this classic soup exciting and perfectly suited to your palate!
How to Store and Freeze Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion when freezing.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water for desired consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, ensure your pot roast is well-seasoned with salt and pepper for optimal flavor infusion.
- Avoid overcooking the vegetables by sautéing them just until they are soft to maintain a pleasant texture in the soup.
- For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought, as it can enhance the richness of the dish.
- Remember to check the consistency of your soup as it simmers and add more water if it thickens too much, aiming for a hearty yet soupy consistency.
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of pot roast is best for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Absolutely! Look for a well-marbled pot roast, such as chuck roast. The fat will melt during the slow cooking process, ensuring the beef stays juicy and tender. If you find one with a nice layer of fat, that’s a bonus, as it adds rich flavor to the broth!
How should I store leftover Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it up, which helps maintain its freshness and flavor. If you have more than a few servings, consider freezing some for a later date!
Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes! For freezing, portion out the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Ensure to leave some space at the top for expansion, as liquids might expand when frozen. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a hearty meal anytime!
How do I reheat frozen Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
To reheat, it’s best to thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pour it into a pot and heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Very important! If you or your guests have any dietary restrictions, consider using low-sodium broth if managing salt intake, or substituting with vegetable broth for a lighter version. Additionally, you can customize the vegetables to fit dietary needs; just make sure everyone is aware of the ingredients before serving!
How do I prevent my vegetables from becoming mushy in the soup?
To maintain texture, sauté the carrots and seasoning blend just until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Adding firmer vegetables like potatoes later in the cooking process keeps them from becoming overly soft. When simmering, keep an eye on the soup and adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring everything is tasty yet retains a pleasant bite!
Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the pot roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the seasoned roast in a slow cooker on LOW with half a can of beef broth for 10 hours.
- Sauté the carrots and frozen seasoning blend in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
- Combine the shredded beef, chopped potatoes, frozen peas, green beans, corn, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour.
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