When it comes to timeless comfort food, few things are as satisfying and soul-warming as a bowl of Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup. Rich, savory broth, tender beef, and a medley of perfectly slow-cooked vegetables come together in this classic dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy weekends at home.
This homemade soup recipe is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and is one of the most flavorful crockpot recipes slow cooker lovers can rely on all year long. Whether you’re craving a healthy dinner or a big-batch meal that freezes beautifully, this one-pot wonder belongs in your regular rotation of beef soup recipes.
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Why This is One of the Best Beef Soup Recipes for Your Slow Cooker
If you’ve tried making vegetable beef soup before and ended up with bland broth or overcooked vegetables, this version will change your mind. Made in the crockpot, it develops deep flavor while keeping the veggies and meat tender and distinct. It’s one of those crockpot soup recipes that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Just like our popular Comforting Italian Crescent Casserole, this soup recipe makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket.
Ingredients for Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
You don’t need anything fancy to create a hearty pot of vegetable beef soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat (or chuck roast), cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1½ cups green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup peas
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a bay leaf for added depth
This recipe can also be made using leftover roast beef or even ground beef for a twist.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Homemade Soup Recipe
To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic tools:
- 6 to 8-quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Skillet (for searing the beef – optional but recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
This is the same no-fuss approach we love in recipes like our Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie.
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup in a Crockpot (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Optional Step – Sear the Beef: For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. This step is optional but adds a rich, caramelized taste to the soup.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add the beef to the bottom of the crockpot. Top with all the vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings, and beef broth.
- Set and Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Final Touches: Stir in the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay bright and tender.
- Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Choosing the Best Meat and Vegetables for Flavorful Results
Chuck roast or stew meat works best because it breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker. Trim excess fat but leave some marbling for flavor. For vegetables, root veggies like carrots and potatoes hold up well, while tender items like peas and green beans should be added later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
This thoughtful layering of ingredients is also what makes recipes like our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl a standout in meal prep.
Tips for Making the Richest and Most Hearty Crockpot Soup Recipes
- Brown the beef first for deeper flavor.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer base.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce at the end for an extra umami kick.
- Stir in some cooked barley or brown rice to add body and texture.
We apply the same “layering flavor” technique in dishes like our Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice.
Make-Ahead, Meal Prep, and Freezer Tips for Crockpot Dishes
This crockpot vegetable beef soup is perfect for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
For freezing, divide into single-serving portions to make quick lunches and dinners. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if it thickens.
Meal prep lovers will also enjoy our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Creative Add-Ins for Customizing Your Vegetable Beef Soup
- Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for added nutrients.
- Add cooked pasta or quinoa for more texture.
- Include kidney beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
Want to serve this soup with a side? Try our Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns for a satisfying finish.
Perfect Sides to Serve with This Comforting Slow Cooker Meal
- Warm Bread: Butter Swim Biscuits
- Simple Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Savory Muffins: Like Stuffing Biscuits
- Fruit-Based Dessert: Try Peach Crisp or Strawberry Eclair Cake
Storage and Reheating Tips for Soup Recipes Slow Cooker Style
Once fully cooled, store soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals. Add extra broth if it thickens too much.
Avoid freezing soups with potatoes if you prefer firmer textures, but in most cases, it holds up well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Vegetable Soup Recipes
- Overcooking: Too long on high heat can mush your veggies.
- Not seasoning properly: Always taste and adjust at the end.
- Adding delicate veggies too early: Green beans and peas should go in near the end.
- Using tough cuts without searing: Browning the beef first builds flavor.
Avoiding these missteps is the same reason our Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps turn out perfect every time.
FAQs About Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Can I use ground beef?
Yes, just brown it first and drain the fat before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the beef, use vegetable broth, and add more beans.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check your broth brand.
Can I cook it overnight?
Yes, just set it to LOW and wake up to a hearty meal.
What’s the best cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal for flavor and tenderness.
Final Thoughts: Why This Vegetable Beef Soup Belongs on Your Table
This crockpot vegetable beef soup is rich, warming, and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just curling up with a bowl on a chilly day. Whether you’re after vegetable soup recipes or hearty crockpot dishes, this one-pot wonder won’t disappoint.
Explore more slow-cooked comfort favorites on Lyndy’s Kitchen, where you’ll find cozy classics like our Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches.
Loved this recipe? Subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen and share it with your soup-loving friends.
PrintCrockpot Vegetable Beef Soup : Hearty, Homemade Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you’re craving a warm, nourishing, and low-effort meal, this Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is exactly what you need.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended for depth)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Dice all vegetables and cut the beef into small chunks. You can use stew meat or chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Combine in crockpot
Add the beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and water into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook on low
Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Adjust and serve
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes and stir to thicken. Serve hot with crusty bread or butter swim biscuits.
Notes
- Brown the beef (optional): For deeper flavor, sear the beef before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for creamier texture and no peeling required.
- Don’t overcook vegetables like green beans or peas—add in the last hour for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
Keywords: Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup