Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a warm and inviting dish perfect for chilly nights or cozy family gatherings. It’s packed with tender ground beef and an abundance of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a long day or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this soup is versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, its hearty nature makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is loaded with ground beef and vegetables, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up even on the busiest days.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of spices and rich broth creates a deliciously comforting taste that warms the soul.
• Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
• Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring Spoons
• Wooden Spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Pot: Ideal for simmering soups, allowing enough space for all ingredients without spilling over.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently, ensuring uniform cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Help achieve accuracy in seasoning, which enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

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, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions, carrots, and celery until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease. Season the mixture with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, corn, green beans, and beefy onion soup mix. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Serving Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a satisfying meal. Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• French Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a deliciously buttery and garlicky flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: A few thyme leaves can enhance the earthy flavors of the soup.

Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess

• Shredded Cheddar: Melted cheddar cheese on top provides a creamy richness that everyone loves.
• Parmesan Shavings: For a gourmet touch, add shavings of Parmesan cheese just before serving.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Perfecting your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup involves attention to detail and some tasty tweaks. Here are some tips to elevate your soup game.

• Bold Seasoning: Adjust spices according to your taste. More garlic powder or seasoned salt can really enhance the flavor.
• Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best taste and texture in your soup.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you prefer deeper flavors; this melds all ingredients beautifully.
• Texture Variation: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes before adding them back into the pot.
• Add Heat: If you like spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with melted cheese are perfect for dipping and add extra comfort.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the warm soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory notes of the soup beautifully.
6. Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf can soak up extra broth, making each bite delicious.

Enjoy creating and serving your Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can make a big difference in flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Browning: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned for enhanced taste.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can cause them to become mushy. Add heartier vegetables, like potatoes, later in the cooking process for optimal texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season adequately throughout the cooking process can result in a bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning at different stages.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the overall flavor of your soup. Choose a high-quality beef broth or homemade version for the best results.
• Not Letting It Simmer: Rushing through the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow your soup to simmer gently for at least 15-20 minutes to enhance taste.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Let it cool down before sealing to avoid condensation inside the container.

Freezing Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are essential for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

The essential ingredients include ground beef, various vegetables like carrots and potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. This combination creates a hearty and flavorful base.

Can I customize my Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or even substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Experiment with spices for different flavor profiles!

How long does it take to make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

The total time is approximately 50 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking time. This makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Is Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it nutritious. You can control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and adjusting seasonings.

How do I store leftovers of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms both body and soul. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting meal or share it with loved ones, this soup is sure to be a hit!