My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. This delightful soup combines tender beef with a medley of vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or chilly nights. It’s easy to make and can be frozen for later enjoyment. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or during a cozy gathering, this recipe will become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious homemade soup.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of beef broth, vegetables, and spices creates a rich and hearty taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with various vegetables, this soup offers nutrition in every bowl.
• Great for Freezing: Make a big batch and store some for future meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; it fits any meal occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while ensuring the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
• Large pot: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling over.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making prep quicker and easier.

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!

Meat

• 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)

Vegetables

• 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

Liquids

• 1 (32 oz) container beef broth
• 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
• 1 can filled with water

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Step 1: Cook the Pot Roast

1. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place it in your slow cooker with half a can of beef broth.
3. Cook on LOW for about 10 hours until tender.
4. Shred the beef using two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a very large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped carrots and seasoning mix; sauté until tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the shredded beef to the pot along with the chopped potatoes, frozen veggies, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about an hour.
3. Stir occasionally and add water if needed while cooking.

Enjoy your bowl of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup!

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

Serving My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in several ways, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A fresh, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the soup. Tear off pieces and dip them into the broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toast some garlic bread for a delicious side that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl brings creaminess and complements the beef well.
• Parmesan Shavings: For a gourmet touch, add thin shavings of parmesan cheese just before serving.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Store in Containers: Portion the soup into airtight containers for easy meal prep. It keeps well in the freezer and can be reheated as needed.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, add chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.

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

Perfecting this recipe requires attention to detail and creative tweaks. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves while cooking to deepen the flavor profile.
• Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality beef broth and fresh vegetables for the best taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Slow Cooking Magic: The longer you cook, the better the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step!
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Pairing side dishes with My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup enhances your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting addition.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts provide a nice crunch and earthy flavor that complements the soup.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of the savory broth.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette is a healthy way to balance out the meal.
6. Cheese Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are irresistible alongside a warm bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the seasoning: Not seasoning your roast well can lead to bland soup. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add them at appropriate times during cooking for the best texture.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor quality beef broth can affect the soup’s flavor. Opt for a good-quality, low-sodium beef broth for the best results.
• Skipping the simmering step: Rushing through the simmering process can reduce flavors. Allow the soup to simmer for a full hour to develop rich tastes.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup is too thick, you might forget to add extra water. Be sure to check and add water as needed while cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I customize My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preferences. Additionally, spices such as thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables work well! Just chop them into similar sizes as frozen ones and adjust cooking times accordingly.

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

To thicken your soup, you can mash some potatoes directly in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) and stir it in while simmering.

Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean beef. It’s a hearty meal that feels comforting without being overly heavy.

Final Thoughts

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to include your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for busy weeks!