Name: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 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

If you’re looking for a bowl that delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every spoonful, this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup checks every box. Thick chunks of tender beef mingle with a bounty of vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, all simmered together to create a broth that’s deeply savory but still fresh and inviting. It’s the kind of soup that turns an ordinary night into a cozy event and makes leftovers something you look forward to. Nothing quite says “home” like a steaming bowl of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup, and I’m here to show you how magical and straightforward it can be.

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is how every ingredient brings something special—richness from the beef, brightness from the vegetables, and depth from the herbs. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each plays a starring role:

Chuck roast (3–4 lb): This cut becomes irresistibly tender after a long simmer and gives the soup its signature hearty bite.
Vegetable oil (2½ tablespoons): For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, setting up layers of big flavor right from the start.
Carrots (2, peeled and chopped): These bring natural sweetness and beautiful orange color.
Medium onion (1, chopped): Essential for a deliciously savory base.
Celery ribs (2, chopped): Celery provides a subtle earthy flavor and delicate crunch.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a grassy note that brightens the whole pot.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Brings classic Italian inspired warmth.
Dried marjoram (½ teaspoon): Slightly sweet and floral, it beautifully complements the beef.
Dried thyme leaves (¼ teaspoon): Infuses earthy, woodsy flavor—and a little goes a long way.
Dried basil (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with mild, herby sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a touch of mellow heat.
Low-sodium beef broth (7–8 cups): The liquid gold that brings everything together; low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
Petite diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): For pleasant acidity and extra heartiness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami magic and a subtle tang.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse a subtle background fragrance that elevates the whole soup.
Yukon Gold potatoes (2 medium, diced): Creamy, buttery, and hold their shape in the soup.
Fresh green beans (¼ lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces): Offer freshness and a pop of color.
Fresh parsley or thyme (2 teaspoons, chopped, for garnish): Adds a splash of green and a burst of fresh flavor right at the end.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in a big Dutch oven or sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until it forms a rich caramelized crust. Don’t rush this step—it’s the secret to deep, developed flavors in your soup. Once browned, transfer the roast to a plate and get ready to build even more flavor with the next ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium. Add the rest of the oil if the pot needs it, then toss in the carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and maybe picking up a light golden edge. This forms a beautifully aromatic base for your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Garlic

Turn the heat down a bit if needed. Toss in the minced garlic, parsley, oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, and black pepper. Stir everything constantly for about a minute—just until the kitchen starts to smell impossibly delicious. You’re now layering in complexity and warmth.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base

Add the beef broth, those lovely diced tomatoes (with their juices), Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and return the seared chuck roast to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let everything cook for 1½ to 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and flavors have had time to meld into something truly special.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced potatoes and green beans. Keep the pot uncovered and simmer for another 20 minutes or so, until the potatoes are creamy and the green beans are just tender. This step keeps your veggies vibrant and not overcooked, adding lovely color and texture to the Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Lift out the chuck roast and let it cool just enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the meat into generous bite-sized pieces, discarding any fat or tough bits. Slide all that savory beef right back into the pot so every bowl gets an ideal mix of meat and veggies.

Step 7: Final Touches

Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves—they’ve done their job! Skim off any excess fat from the surface if you prefer a lighter broth. Give the soup another five-minute simmer to encourage all those flavors to marry. Just before serving, scatter over a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of fragrance and color.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme instantly makes your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup look as irresistible as it tastes. A little extra black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan can also add an extra flourish and flavor right before diving in.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love serving it with a slice (or two) of crusty bread for dunking. Try garlic toast, a piece of warm cornbread, or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette—all are perfect partners to balance the richness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup in oversized mugs for a cozy handheld approach, or in bread bowls for a rustic, edible twist. Ladle it over a scoop of cooked barley or rice for a stick-to-your-ribs variation, or offer a DIY topping bar with croutons, herbs, and hot sauce for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a gift you’ll thank yourself for. Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days and the flavors only deepen as they meld.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Portion cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that potatoes may change texture a bit after thawing, but the soup will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, let frozen soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Warm it up gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up to your ideal consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, stewing beef or even short ribs (bones removed) work well. Just make sure you simmer long enough so the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Can I add or swap in other vegetables?

Definitely! Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is wonderfully adaptable—try parsnips, peas, corn, or even diced bell pepper. Just adjust your cooking time so all your additions are perfectly tender at serving.

What’s the best way to skim fat from the soup?

You can spoon off any visible fat from the surface right after simmering, or you can chill the soup first and then easily lift off the solidified layer before reheating.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, this soup is gluten-free, just double-check your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth labels to confirm they’re safe if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 7–8 hours. Add potatoes and green beans about 2 hours before serving for perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love sharing this classic, cozy recipe and can’t wait for you to experience just how comforting and flavorful homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup can be. Round up your ingredients, make a big pot, and look forward to a meal that welcomes you home every time you lift the lid!