My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings back childhood memories, you’ve come to the right place! My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition in my family. This soup has a way of wrapping you in warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. Plus, it makes a big batch, so you can easily share it at family gatherings or freeze some for those busy weeknights.

What makes this soup so special is how simple and wholesome it is. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again, whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a delicious bowl to enjoy by yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready with minimal fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a warm bowl of soup packed with veggies and tender beef—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-ahead convenience: This recipe is ideal for prepping in advance; just make a big pot and freeze leftovers for later.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of beef broth and fresh vegetables creates a rich, comforting taste that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful soup, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s gather up everything you’ll need to create this lovely dish!

For the Soup

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with what’s in your pantry or what your family enjoys.

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for something different, try using chicken instead of beef!
• Add more veggies: Toss in any seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs to give the soup an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.

How to Make My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Start by seasoning your pot roast with salt and pepper. This step is essential as it enhances the flavor of the meat. Place it in your slow cooker with half a can of beef broth and let it cook on LOW for about 10 hours. When it’s tender enough to shred easily with two forks, you’ll know it’s ready!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a very large pot, heat up 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté the carrots along with the frozen seasoning mix until they become tender. This step brings out their natural sweetness and sets a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine everything! Add shredded beef from the slow cooker along with chopped potatoes, remaining veggies, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper into your large pot. Stir well to mix all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Bring your mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat slightly and cover your pot. Allow it to simmer gently for about an hour. This simmering time lets all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

As your soup cooks away, check if you’d like to add more water based on your preferred consistency. Stir occasionally and enjoy the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy every spoonful of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup—it’s sure to become a beloved dish in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Making soup is such a joyful experience, and with these tips, you can take your soup-making skills to the next level!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for a pot roast or chuck roast as they become tender and flavorful after slow cooking. This will ensure that your soup has a rich taste and fall-apart texture.

• Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the carrots and seasoning blend before adding them to the pot helps to release their natural sugars and flavors. This step builds a delicious base for your soup, enhancing its overall taste.

• Adjust the broth to your liking: Feel free to use homemade beef broth or low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake. This allows you to control the flavor and healthiness of your soup.

• Experiment with vegetables: While this recipe is classic, feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Mixing in seasonal produce not only adds color but also boosts nutrition.

• Let it rest: After cooking, let the soup sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bowl even more delicious!

How to Serve My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Serving this delightful vegetable beef soup is all about comfort and presentation. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the hearty flavors of the soup.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can add creaminess and richness that pairs perfectly with the robust broth.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, providing a satisfying crunch alongside each warm bite.
• Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup, balancing out your meal beautifully.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is another great side that adds a delightful sweetness, making it an excellent pairing with savory soups.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and makes for a nutritious side dish that complements the heartiness of the soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting meal that everyone will love! Enjoy every spoonful of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, enjoy some fresh, and then store the rest for later. It’s a comforting dish that tastes even better the next day!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

Can I use a different type of meat in My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Absolutely! While this recipe features pot roast, you can use any beef cut you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as necessary based on your meat choice.

How do I make My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup thicker?

If you like a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can also mash some of the potatoes directly into the soup.

Can I add other vegetables to My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything is tender.

What should I serve with My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It makes for a wholesome meal that’s easy to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup as much as my family does. This recipe brings warmth and comfort on chilly evenings and is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!