My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even chilly days when you need something warm and nourishing. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a standout choice, while the simplicity ensures anyone can whip it up effortlessly. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, as it freezes well and can be enjoyed later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal effort, you can create a delicious soup that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of beef and vegetables creates a rich flavor profile that satisfies hungry appetites.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the freezer, making it an excellent option for quick meals later.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the veggies, this soup is a healthy choice.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make preparing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Perfect for tenderizing meat over hours, giving your soup deep flavors without constant attention.
- Large pot: Essential for combining all ingredients and simmering them together thoroughly.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while chopping vegetables safely.
- Sharp knife: Makes quick work of chopping ingredients, ensuring even pieces for cooking.
Ingredients
My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is one of my all-time favorite soup recipes. It’s super simple homemade soup recipe and makes enough to freeze!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
- 2 russet potatoes, chopped
- 1 bag frozen seasoning blend (or just chopped onions)
- 1 bag frozen peas
- 1 bag frozen green beans
- 1 bag frozen corn
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 1 (32 oz) container beef broth
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
- 1 can filled with water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
- Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast in your slow cooker with half a can of beef broth.
- Cook on LOW for about 10 hours until tender.
- Shred the meat using two forks.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a very large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped carrots and the frozen seasoning mix.
- Sauté until tender.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- To the pot with sautéed vegetables, add shredded beef and chopped potatoes.
- Stir in remaining veggies along with the remaining beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for about an hour; stir occasionally.
- Add water as needed while it cooks to reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy this lovely dish that’s bursting with flavors!
How to Serve My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Serving My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful experience that brings comfort to any meal. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its robust flavors.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty French Baguette – A warm, toasted baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The gooey cheese complements the savory soup beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Green Onions – Finely sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
With Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Melting cheddar on top creates a creamy texture and adds depth to each bowl.
- Parmesan Reggiano – A sprinkle of parmesan gives a salty richness that enhances the soup’s flavors.
As a Main Dish
- Accompanied by Salad – A crisp garden salad can balance the hearty soup, adding freshness and crunch.
- Rice or Quinoa on the Side – Serving rice or quinoa creates a more filling meal while absorbing the delicious broth.
How to Perfect My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
To achieve the best results with My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, consider these helpful tips:
- seasoning – Adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance flavor according to your taste.
- Quality beef – Use a well-marbled pot roast for richer flavor when slow-cooking.
- Fresh vegetables – Opt for fresh veggies whenever possible for better texture and taste.
- Slow cooking magic – Allow ample time for slow cooking to let flavors meld together perfectly.
- Batch cooking – Make extra soup for freezing; it reheats well and saves time for future meals.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for an aromatic twist.
Best Side Dishes for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Pairing side dishes with My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – Sliced bread topped with garlic butter, baked until golden brown, makes an excellent companion.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are great for soaking up the broth while adding a touch of sweetness.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes can be served alongside or even stirred into the soup for added heartiness.
- Grilled Vegetables – Lightly seasoned grilled veggies enhance nutrition while complementing the flavors of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your roast well can lead to bland soup. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Add heartier vegetables earlier and delicate ones later in the cooking process.
- Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for a good quality beef broth for the best results.
- Not shredding the beef properly: Failing to shred the beef thoroughly can result in chunks that don’t blend well with the soup. Use two forks to shred it finely after cooking.
- Neglecting simmer time: Rushing the simmering stage can prevent flavors from developing fully. Let it simmer covered for at least an hour for a rich taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.
Freezing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Ideal to consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup special?
This soup is special because it combines tender beef with a variety of fresh and frozen vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms the heart.
Can I customize My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute the beef with chicken for a lighter version.
How do I ensure my soup has enough flavor?
Using high-quality broth and properly seasoning throughout the cooking process will enhance its flavor significantly.
Is My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup healthy?
Yes! This soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables, providing fiber and vitamins while being relatively low in calories.
Final Thoughts
My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Its simplicity allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or freeze some for later, this recipe promises comfort and satisfaction. Give it a try, and enjoy all its delicious possibilities!
My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender beef with a medley of wholesome vegetables, creating the perfect cozy meal for family dinners or chilly nights. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to savor rich flavors and comforting aromas without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow-cooked roast melds beautifully with the vibrant vegetables, resulting in a satisfying soup that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Perfect for meal prep, this soup freezes well, ensuring you can enjoy it anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
- 2 russet potatoes, chopped
- 1 bag frozen seasoning blend (or chopped onions)
- 1 bag frozen peas
- 1 bag frozen green beans
- 1 bag frozen corn
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 1 (32 oz) container beef broth
- 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the pot roast with salt and pepper and place it in a slow cooker with half a can of beef broth. Cook on LOW for about 10 hours until tender, then shred.
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped carrots and frozen seasoning mix until tender.
- Add shredded beef and chopped potatoes to the pot. Stir in remaining vegetables, beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
