Few dishes evoke nostalgia and comfort quite like a bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup. With its tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich, savory broth, this soup has been passed down through generations — from grandma’s vegetable beef soup to mom’s old fashioned vegetable beef soup, and now, to your table.
Whether you’re looking for the best homemade vegetable beef soup, a stovetop classic vegetable beef soup, or a hands-off beef soup crockpot version, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple, accessible ingredients. Perfect for a chilly evening or even a cozy little lunch, it’s a must-have in any collection of beef soup recipes.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it beautifully every time.
Table of Contents
Who Will Love This Dish? From Grandma’s Vegetable Beef Soup Fans to Little Lunch Seekers
This recipe is ideal for:
✅ Families looking for a healthy, filling meal that everyone enjoys.
✅ Busy cooks who appreciate a one-pot dish that’s easy to reheat.
✅ Fans of classic vegetable beef soup looking for a tried-and-true version.
✅ Anyone craving homemade vegetable beef soup just like grandma used to make.
If you love hearty beef soup recipes, are nostalgic for grandma’s vegetable beef soup, or want to serve a cozy little lunch that feels special, this soup is for you.
Why This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Stands Out Among Classic Beef Soup Recipes
Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
✅ Rich, deep flavor from slow-simmered beef and broth.
✅ Flexible — make it stovetop, crockpot, or even Instant Pot.
✅ Loaded with colorful, nutrient-packed vegetables.
✅ Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Among classic vegetable beef soup recipes, this one stays true to its roots while fitting into modern kitchens with ease.
Ingredients: What You Need for Best Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup
For about 6–8 servings, you’ll need:
- Beef stew meat (chuck or round) – 1 ½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 large, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots – 3, diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and cubed
- Green beans – 1 cup, trimmed and chopped
- Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – 1 cup
- Canned diced tomatoes – 1 (28 oz) can
- Beef broth – 8 cups
- Bay leaf – 1
- Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Equipment: Tools for Cooking Classy Vegetable Beef Soup or Beef Soup Crockpot Versions
✅ Large soup pot or Dutch oven (for stovetop)
✅ Slow cooker or crockpot (for hands-off version)
✅ Wooden spoon
✅ Ladle
✅ Sharp knife and cutting board
✅ Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step: How to Make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3️⃣ Build the Broth
Return beef to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour, until beef is tender.
4️⃣ Add Vegetables
Stir in potatoes, green beans, and corn. Simmer another 20–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
5️⃣ Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Success: Mastering Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Every Time
✅ Brown the beef properly for deep, rich flavor.
✅ Cut vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
✅ Skim off any foam or fat during simmering for a clear broth.
✅ Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving — the flavors meld beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Mom’s Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
🚫 Rushing the simmer — beef needs time to become tender.
🚫 Adding all veggies at once — some cook faster than others.
🚫 Under-seasoning — taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
For another cozy, family-friendly recipe, check out our creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup — another warm and hearty classic.
Serving Suggestions: How to Present Classic Vegetable Beef Soup Beautifully
✨ Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
✨ Offer warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or crusty baguette on the side.
✨ Pair with a simple green salad to lighten the meal.
✨ For a rustic touch, serve in earthenware or vintage bowls, just like grandma did.
Creative Variations: From Beef Soup Crockpot to Lighter Versions
🥣 Beef Soup Crockpot: Brown beef and sauté aromatics, then add everything to the crockpot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
🥗 Lighter Version: Use lean beef and add more vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
🥔 Grandma’s Vegetable Beef Soup: Toss in barley or rice for added heartiness.
🍅 Cooking Classy Vegetable Beef Soup: Add a splash of red wine while deglazing for depth.
These tweaks make your old fashioned vegetable beef soup uniquely yours each time.
How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
✅ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
✅ Freeze in portions for up to 3 months — perfect for busy nights.
Best Pairings: Sides and Drinks to Complement Beef Soup Recipes
🥖 Warm rolls, garlic bread, or cornbread.
🥗 Crisp green salad or coleslaw.
🥤 Iced tea, sparkling water, or lemonade.
🍠 Roasted root vegetables on the side.
For another timeless comfort food idea, try our lasagna soup — a no-bake twist on a classic Italian favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
What cut of beef is best?
Chuck or round stew meat works well because it becomes tender with slow simmering.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely — cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Can I add pasta?
Yes — add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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We hope you enjoy making and savoring this old fashioned vegetable beef soup — a hearty, flavorful dish that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re recreating mom’s old fashioned vegetable beef soup, putting your own spin on cooking classy vegetable beef soup, or just searching for reliable beef soup recipes, this timeless classic won’t disappoint.
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Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup : A Timeless Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, nostalgic bowl of comfort packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights and a timeless addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-size chunks 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 3 medium potatoes, diced 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 8 cups beef broth 1 bay leaf Salt & black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside. 2. Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. 3. Return beef to the pot along with potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. 5. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
• Sear the beef for extra depth of flavor. • Cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. • For a crockpot version, transfer browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. • For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes into the broth before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: old fashioned vegetable beef soup, homemade vegetable beef soup, grandma’s vegetable beef soup, easy beef soup recipes, beef soup crockpot
