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A hearty bowl of old-fashioned vegetable beef soup with fresh parsley garnish, served alongside slices of crusty bread on a wooden table.

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: A Timeless Comfort Food


  • Author: Nova
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 ½ lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup water (add as needed to adjust consistency)
  • 1 bay leaf

Vegetables:

  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas (add at the end of cooking)

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels (this helps them sear better). Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the beef in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot, and sear on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

3. Build the Broth Base

  • Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and paprika (if using). Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour to tenderize the beef.

4. Add the Vegetables

  • After the beef has simmered, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

5. Add Green Beans and Peas

  • Stir in the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the frozen peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking to retain their vibrant color and texture.

6. Adjust the Seasoning

  • Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. For more depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of paprika.

7. Serve and Garnish

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg