This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, offering a warm, comforting embrace with every spoonful. Packed with tender ground beef and an array of hearty vegetables, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this classic recipe brings everyone together around the table, making it a cherished favorite for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This soup combines protein-rich ground beef with nutritious vegetables to create a satisfying meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or serving later in the week.
- Comfort Food Classic: A timeless recipe that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
Why These Tools Matter
- Large Pot: A spacious pot is essential for cooking everything evenly and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping all your fresh vegetables.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient cutting of meats and vegetables, saving you time in preparation.
Ingredients
This old fashioned vegetable beef soup is a hearty, comforting classic packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-beef broth.
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Black Pepper & Salt to taste
- 1 packet Beefy Onion Soup Mix
For the Vegetables
- 15 ounces Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Carrots (diced)
- 1 cup Celery (diced)
- 2 Russett Potatoes (diced)
- 12 ounces Sweet Corn
- 12 ounces Green Beans
For the Broth
- 4 cups Beef Broth
How to Make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat:
1. Cook the ground beef along with diced onions, carrots, and celery until the beef is browned.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
3. Season with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and regular salt.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Next:
1. Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, sweet corn, green beans, and the beefy onion soup mix.
2. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 3: Incorporate Potatoes
Finally:
1. Add diced russett potatoes to the pot.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Continue cooking until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Serving Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on cold days and can be complemented with various sides and garnishes.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
- Thyme Leaves – A sprinkle of thyme enhances the aromatic profile of your soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- French Baguette – Slice it up and enjoy dipping the crusty bread in the soup for added texture.
- Garlic Bread – The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory soup.
Serve with a Salad
- Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
- Garden Salad – A light mix of greens and veggies adds freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Perfecting your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can elevate this classic dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is exceptional every time.
- Choose Quality Meat – Using fresh, high-quality ground beef makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Browning – Allow the beef to brown well before adding vegetables; this adds depth to the broth.
- Use Homemade Broth – If possible, homemade beef broth enhances the richness compared to store-bought options.
- Adjust Seasonings Gradually – Taste as you go; it’s easier to add more seasoning than to correct over-seasoning.
- Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Cool and Store Properly – If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this delicious soup perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that balances well with the soup’s flavors.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits topped with cheese are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Cornbread – Sweet, moist cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables provides additional nutrients and flavors.
- Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast to the hot soup and can be made ahead of time.
- Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a hearty side that complements the meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to season your beef and vegetables properly can result in a bland soup. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes earlier and more delicate ones like corn towards the end.
- Not browning the meat: Skipping the browning step means missing out on depth of flavor. Always brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so using low-quality or watered-down broth will affect the overall taste. Opt for a good quality beef broth.
- Neglecting texture variety: A soup with only one texture can be unappealing. Incorporate a mix of soft and crunchy vegetables for a satisfying mouthfeel.
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh and prevent odors from affecting its flavor.
Freezing Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Duration: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months without losing quality.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer a serving into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature, usually around 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup special?
This soup combines tender ground beef with an array of hearty vegetables in a rich tomato-beef broth, making it comforting and filling.
Can I customize my Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers or peas, or switch out ground beef for chicken or turkey depending on your preference.
How do I thicken my Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
For thicker soup, you can add more diced potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge as flavors meld together nicely.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. Whether you want to pack in more veggies or try different meats, this recipe invites creativity in every bowl. Give it a try today!
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, a comforting classic that brings families together. This hearty soup is brimming with tender ground beef and a colorful medley of vegetables, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The rich tomato broth envelops each ingredient, creating an aromatic experience that’s as delightful to the senses as it is to the palate. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to accommodate any veggie you have on hand, this soup not only satisfies hunger but also makes for fantastic leftovers. Enjoy a bowl of nostalgia and warmth today!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 4 cups beef broth
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 2 russet potatoes (diced)
- 12 ounces sweet corn
- 12 ounces green beans
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions, carrots, and celery. Drain excess grease.
- Season with seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and regular salt.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, sweet corn, green beans, and the beefy onion soup mix. Bring to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Add diced russet potatoes and stir well. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
