My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, then look no further than My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s been passed down through generations and holds a special place in my heart, just like the memories of enjoying it around the dinner table with loved ones.

This soup is not only delicious but also super simple to make. With wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a comforting pot of soup simmering away in no time. Plus, it makes plenty, so you can freeze leftovers for those days when you need a quick meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this hearty soup cooking away while you relax.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of vegetable beef soup! It’s sure to please picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender beef and vibrant vegetables creates flavors that dance on your palate.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with veggies and lean beef, this soup is both filling and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is part of the fun! These are all simple and wholesome components that come together to create something truly special.

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 how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
• Add Different Veggies: Toss in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
• Go Grain-Free: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb twist without sacrificing texture.

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

Step 1: Season and Cook the Roast

Start by seasoning your pot roast generously with salt and pepper. Place it in your slow cooker along with half a can of beef broth. Cooking it on LOW for about 10 hours will make the meat incredibly tender. Shredding it with two forks at the end will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this soup so comforting.

Step 2: Sauté the Carrots and Seasoning Blend

In a very large pot, heat up 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add your chopped carrots and frozen seasoning mix. Sauté them until they’re tender—this step allows their natural sweetness to shine through!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add in your shredded beef, chopped potatoes, remaining veggies, leftover beef broth, tomato soup, water, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all these lovely flavors.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Next, bring your pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to let it simmer gently. Cover your pot and let it cook for about an hour—it gives all those ingredients time to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

As your soup simmers away, check on it occasionally. If you find it’s getting too thick for your liking, simply add water as desired until you reach your preferred consistency.

And there you have it! A hearty bowl of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. Happy cooking!

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

Making this soup is a breeze, but a few extra touches can elevate it even further!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Fresh produce can enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it taste even more homemade.

• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the carrots and seasoning mix before adding them to the pot brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the soup.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Conversely, add more water or broth if you like a thinner consistency.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during cooking. They can add complexity and depth to your soup without overwhelming its comforting essence.

• Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and store portions in airtight containers for quick meals on busy days.

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

Serving this hearty soup is all about creating an inviting atmosphere that complements its warmth and comfort.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper gives an extra kick that enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping. The hearty texture pairs perfectly with the comforting soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Cheese Toast: Top slices of bread with cheese and broil until bubbly for a quick cheesy side that everyone will love.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables can complement your soup nicely while adding more nutrients to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an experience that makes My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup even more delightful! Enjoy every heartwarming spoonful with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy comforting bowls of soup whenever you need a warm meal. Here’s how to handle leftovers and make sure you can savor this delicious soup later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup into airtight containers or resealable bags.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as the soup freezes.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.

Reheating

• For stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Add additional water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

If you have questions about making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute fresh vegetables like green beans, corn, and peas. Just be sure to adjust cooking times since fresh veggies may cook faster than frozen ones.

How can I adjust My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup for dietary restrictions?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using low-sodium beef broth or swapping out the potatoes for other vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini. This way, it can fit into various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor!

How long does My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this delicious soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it up!

Can I add more spices to enhance My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or even a dash of garlic powder. This will help elevate the flavors of your soup even more!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup as much as I do! It holds a special place in my heart not only for its rich flavors but also for its ability to bring warmth and comfort on chilly days. Whether you’re freezing some for later or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!