Name: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 3–4 lb chuck roast; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried marjoram; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; ¼ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 7–8 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced; ¼ lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup on a chilly day. This soup brings together melt-in-your-mouth beef, vibrant garden vegetables, rich savory broth, and warming herbs in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a classic homemade dinner, this time-tested favorite is the perfect answer to those “what’s for dinner?” days. You’re about to discover how easily this comforting classic can become a staple in your kitchen — and why it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is all about showcasing simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create depth of flavor and a variety of textures. Each component has a special role, bringing color, richness, freshness, or just that little extra something to the pot.

Vegetable oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables, giving everything a gorgeous golden color and deep flavor.
Chuck roast: This cut simmers into deliciously tender, flavorful bites that are the soul of a great beef soup.
Carrots: They sweeten as they cook, adding color and a gentle earthy note.
Onion: Essential for building the base flavor. Chop it finely for a melting texture.
Celery ribs: A classic aromatic that contributes subtle pepperiness and crunch.
Garlic: Just two cloves lend a fragrant punch. Don’t skip it!
Dried parsley: Rounds out the flavor with an herbaceous note.
Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and depth, enhancing the veggies and beef.
Dried marjoram: A warm undertone that pairs perfectly with beef and tomato.
Dried thyme leaves: Gives a woodsy aroma that lingers in the background.
Dried basil: Brightens things up with a hint of sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and brings the herbs together.
Low-sodium beef broth: The backdrop for all flavors — use good quality for the richest taste.
Petite diced tomatoes: Adds tang and a juicy burst to the mix.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
Bay leaves: Infuse the soup with a delicate, almost tea-like herbal note.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and mild, they hold their shape beautifully in soup.
Fresh green beans: Their slight crunch and freshness balance the heartiness of the beef and potatoes.
Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a final pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating up your Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot with a bit of oil. Once hot, add the chuck roast and let it sizzle—don’t rush it! Browning the beef gives it a crave-worthy crust and builds deep, rich layers of flavor as the base for your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Turn the roast with tongs to get all sides nicely browned before taking it out to rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the beef set aside, lower the heat and toss in the rest of the oil if needed. Add the carrots, onions, and celery. These three classic veggies are the holy trinity of soup bases, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering, savory aroma as they soften. Give them a good stir every minute or so until they’re just tender and edges glisten—about five or six minutes.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Garlic

This is where magic happens. Sprinkle in the garlic, dried parsley, oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, and a crack of black pepper. Let them bloom in the gentle heat for about a minute. The herbs release their oils and the kitchen fills with their intoxicating scent—this step infuses every later bite of soup with bright and earthy undertones.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base

Now it’s time for everything to come together. Pour in the beef broth, the can of diced tomatoes (juices and all), Worcestershire sauce, and tuck in the bay leaves. Nestle the beautifully seared roast back into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the magic happen for 1½ to 2 hours. The meat will turn irresistibly tender, soaking up every bit of the aromatic broth.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once your beef is fork-tender, add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes and crisp green beans. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, just until the potatoes are creamy and the beans are still a little snappy. This keeps the veggie flavors fresh and vibrant, balancing the deep richness of the broth.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Use tongs to lift out the roast and let it cool just enough to handle. Grab two forks and gently shred the meat, discarding any big pieces of fat or sinew. Return the shredded beef to the pot and give it all a stir, revealing a hearty blend of chunky vegetables and tender beef—this is what true Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup looks like!

Step 7: Final Touches

Fish out the bay leaves and skim off any fat from the soup’s surface if you like a lighter finish. Let the soup warm through once more. Just before serving, shower with fresh chopped parsley or thyme—and get ready to serve the most satisfying bowlful you can imagine.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Garnishes

Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme—those green flecks add a burst of color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. A swirl of good olive oil or a light dusting of freshly cracked pepper can add simple yet elegant finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup loves a sidekick! Serve it with thick slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls for dunking. If you’re in the mood for a lighter meal, pair it with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with a vinaigrette. For the full comfort-food experience, a grilled cheese or gooey cheddar biscuit is always welcome at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your soup in rustic bread bowls for a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. For parties, ladle the soup into small mugs or cups for “sippable” starters. Or offer a DIY toppings bar—think extra herbs, shredded cheese, chili flakes, or even crispy fried onions for guests to sprinkle on their own bowlful of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or hearty midweek dinners.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If it’s thickened up, just add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to a perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast is classic for Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup because it becomes so tender, but stew meat or even short ribs work well—just ensure you simmer long enough for them to get fork-tender.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown your beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add potatoes and green beans in the final hour so they don’t get mushy.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Great news: as written, Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they’re labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What vegetables can I swap or add?

Feel free to experiment! Corn, peas, parsnips, or even chopped spinach work beautifully in this soup. Just add tender vegetables near the end of cooking so they stay bright and flavorful.

Can I make it vegetarian?

If you’d like a meatless version, simply omit the beef and use a rich vegetable broth. Load up on extra vegetables and even add some beans or lentils for extra protein and heartiness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup enough—it’s pure cozy comfort, the kind of recipe that gets passed around the table (and the neighborhood) again and again. Next time you need a no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal, give this one a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!