My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort on chilly days. This soup is perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or simply warming up after a long day. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it truly embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that requires minimal effort.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of beef and vegetables creates a rich, savory broth that is sure to please any palate.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course, or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete dinner experience.
• Freezable for Later: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers to enjoy this comforting soup anytime you want.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with veggies and lean beef, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your tools. Having everything ready will make preparing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, which makes the beef tender and enhances flavor development.
• Large pot: Ideal for combining all ingredients while providing enough space to simmer the soup without spilling.

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

Broth & Seasoning

• 1 (32 oz) container beef broth
• 2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
• 1 can filled with water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Step 1: Prepare the 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 Veggies

1. In a very large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped carrots and your seasoning mix.
3. Sauté until tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the shredded beef from the slow cooker into the large pot.
2. Stir in the chopped potatoes, remaining frozen vegetables, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, and water.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot.
3. Let it simmer for about an hour to meld all flavors together.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

• As it cooks, add more water if desired to reach your preferred thickness.

Enjoy every bowl of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup knowing that it’s packed with love and hearty flavors!

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

Serving My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful experience that warms both the heart and soul. This hearty soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or French Bread – Serve slices of warm, crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavors beautifully.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice – Ladle the soup over a bowl of fluffy white rice. This adds a comforting touch and makes the dish more filling.

With a Side Salad

• Garden Salad – A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly, adding freshness to your meal.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar or Parmesan – Sprinkle some cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl Presentation – Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and rustic presentation that guests will love.

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

To create the best version of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, follow these simple tips. They can enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables add vibrant flavor and nutrition compared to frozen ones. Try using seasonal produce when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning – Always taste as you go! Adjusting salt and pepper during cooking ensures your soup has just the right balance.
• Cook Low and Slow – For maximum flavor, allow your roast to cook slowly. This melds all flavors together beautifully while keeping the meat tender.
• Add Herbs – Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley towards the end of cooking for added freshness and aromatic appeal.
• Store Properly – Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. This makes reheating easy while preserving flavors.

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

Pairing side dishes with My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread pairs well with soup, providing a crunchy counterpart that complements each spoonful.
2. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a nice contrast to savory flavors, bringing warmth to your meal.
3. Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits are perfect for sopping up broth, making them an excellent choice alongside this soup.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness that balances out the rich flavors of the soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasoned roasted vegetables provides additional nutrients while maintaining a hearty feel.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch, making them a fun side to enjoy with each bite of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be a delight, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Choosing a lean cut may result in a dry soup. Opt for a pot roast or chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Be sure to season your roast and add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor.
• Not allowing enough time to cook: Rushing the cooking time will lead to tough meat and undercooked vegetables. Give your soup the full hour to simmer for best texture and taste.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality broth or canned tomatoes can compromise your soup’s taste. Select high-quality beef broth and tomato soup for rich flavor.
• Overcrowding the pot: Stuffing too many ingredients into one pot can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for optimal results.

Refrigerator Storage

• My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh and prevent spills.

Freezing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
• Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.

Reheating My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

The total time is about 11 hours, including 10 hours of slow cooking for the beef and an hour of simmering for the soup.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out beans for extra protein.

What is the best way to store leftovers of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Is My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup healthy?

Yes! It contains plenty of vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious meal option, especially when served with whole-grain bread.

Final Thoughts

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your preference. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying alone on a chilly day—give it a try!