There’s nothing like a warm bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. I’ve been making this Pioneer Woman-inspired recipe for years, and it never fails to hit the spot. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth is pure comfort food.

This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. You’ll start by browning the beef in a pot, then add in your vegetables and broth for a rich, satisfying soup. The best part? It’s ready in under 2 hours.

As the soup simmers, your kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma – you’ll be craving that first spoonful long before it’s done. When it’s finally ready, serve it up with some crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Let’s get started and make this cozy classic together!

Ingredients for old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe pioneer woman

Here’s what you need to make this comforting old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe.

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You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality beef, I recommend buying from a trusted butcher or the meat department at Whole Foods. Look for fresh, firm vegetables without blemishes. For the beef broth, choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness. Costco offers great prices on bulk items like olive oil.

If you don't have fresh thyme, you can substitute with dried thyme or use other herbs like parsley or oregano. For a gluten-free version, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking, adding or substituting with other favorites like peas or corn. If using bay leaves, remove them before serving as they can be bitter if eaten whole.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Keep fresh vegetables separate if freezing to maintain texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Let me guide you through making this comforting classic that’s perfect for any day.

🔥 Step 1: Brown the Beef for Rich Flavor

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb beef stew meat in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch until it develops a nice crust. This browning step is crucial as it adds depth to the broth.

Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. You’ll notice the pan has developed a nice brown fond on the bottom – don’t clean this out as it’s packed with flavor.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant

Reduce the heat to medium and add the 1 whole chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. Then add the 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.

The onion and garlic will have softened and created a flavorful base for your soup. This step enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.

🍳 Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Add the 4 peeled and sliced carrots and 2 peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onion mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the browned beef back into the pot along with 4 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, add the 1 cup trimmed and cut green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender. If using 2 bay leaves, remove them before serving as they can be quite bitter if eaten whole.

⏰ Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the soup is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving hot. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools, but you can always thin it with a bit more broth if needed.

Serve this hearty soup with some crusty bread for a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

When it comes to a hearty, comforting meal, few dishes hit the spot quite like a warm, steaming bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup. The Pioneer Woman’s recipe for this classic is a staple for a reason – it’s a masterclass in simplicity and flavor. 🍲

Key Ingredients 🔪

The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

This soup is all about letting the ingredients meld together to create a rich, satisfying broth. The Pioneer Woman’s method ensures that every bite is packed with tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables. The result is a soup that’s both nourishing and indulgent. 💕

Cooking Tips ⏰

To get the most out of this recipe, be sure to:

• Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot
• Use a mix of vegetables that hold their shape during cooking, like carrots and potatoes
• Let the soup simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together

With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a deliciously comforting old fashioned vegetable beef soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. ❤️

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

These tried-and-tested tips will help you create a rich and comforting soup that’s perfect for any day.

Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the 1.5 lb beef stew meat in batches – it’s crucial for developing that deep, rich flavor. Make sure to get a good crust on all sides, as this adds complexity to the broth. 🔥

Vegetable Prep: Cut the 4 whole carrots and 2 whole potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. For the 1 cup green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

Simmering: Let the soup simmer gently for the full 1.5 hours to ensure the beef is tender. If you’re short on time, you can simmer it for 30 minutes less, but the beef might be slightly firmer.

Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You can add more salt or black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a bit more beef broth.

This hearty vegetable beef soup is a nutritious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any day. With a good balance of protein, vegetables, and broth, it’s a great way to warm up and nourish your body.

The soup is rich in protein from the beef and contains essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The beef broth adds flavor while keeping the dish relatively low in calories.

Enjoy this soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s a wholesome meal that can be paired with whole grain bread for a satisfying and healthy meal.