Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

This beef vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chuck roast, rich broth, and mixed vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe combines beef with a savory broth made from beef broth, red wine, and aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary. The slow-simmered beef becomes tender, infusing the soup with deep, robust flavors.

Ideal for meal prep, this soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great choice for make-ahead meals. It’s also customizable—add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting plant-based protein and vegetable broth.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty biscuits, or a fresh side salad, this hearty soup is a satisfying and nutritious meal for any occasion. Plus, it freezes well for future meals.

Ingredients

Beef Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup flour

Soup

• 2 lbs. chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes, see note 1)
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup dry red wine (see note 2)
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, divided
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• 7 cups beef broth (or 6 for crockpot to account for liquid reduction on the stove)
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (or 1 beef bouillon cube)
• 2½ cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water
• 2-3 drops Gravy Master (optional, for a richer color)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Combine all beef seasoning ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
   • Cut the chuck roast into 1-inch cubes, removing any large pieces of fat. (Marbled fat within the meat is fine!)
   • Coat the beef cubes in the seasoning mixture, then sprinkle with flour and toss to coat evenly.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat for 30-40 seconds per side, then transfer it to a plate. Add more oil as needed between batches. The center of the meat should remain red and cold.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Turn off the heat. Carefully wipe away any blackened spots but leave the flavorful brown bits (fond) on the bottom of the pan.
   • Add red wine to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Use a spatula to scrape up the fond and deglaze the pan, allowing the wine to reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Build the Soup Base:
   • Add 2 tablespoons butter and diced onion to the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes, until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. The wine should be mostly evaporated, leaving the onions with a reddish color.
   • Add the browned beef, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, rosemary, ground sage, beef broth, and beef bouillon cube. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer:
   • Cover the pot, leaving a small crack for steam to escape, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 hours (or longer for more depth of flavor), stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the Soup:
   • In a small container, combine ¼ cup cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water. Shake to mix.
   • Once the soup is at a full boil, slowly add the cornstarch mixture in increments, stirring constantly. Stop adding if the soup reaches your desired thickness.
7. Add Vegetables:
   • Stir in the frozen vegetables and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
   • For a richer color, add 2-3 drops of Gravy Master (optional).
8. Finish the Soup:
   • Remove from heat and discard the bay leaves and rosemary stem.
   • Stir in 2 tablespoons cold butter for a smooth and velvety texture. This technique, known as “monter au beurre,” adds a silky finish to the soup.
9. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the soup over mashed potatoes or alongside fresh biscuits.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth creates a deeply satisfying meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables or add extra seasonings based on your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for make-ahead meals.

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Tips

• Beef Choice: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because it becomes incredibly tender after simmering.
• Slow Simmering: Let the soup simmer slowly for the best depth of flavor.
• Thickening: Adjust the cornstarch mixture to achieve your preferred soup consistency. Start with less if you prefer a thinner broth.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based protein or mushrooms in place of the beef. Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
• Spicy Option: Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
• More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or celery for more texture and flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, after browning the beef, add everything (except the cornstarch mixture and frozen vegetables) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the cornstarch mixture and vegetables and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can increase the chili powder, cayenne, or even add diced jalapeños for more heat.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Pair with buttery biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
• Enjoy with a side salad for added freshness, or top with grated cheese for extra indulgence.

This hearty beef vegetable soup is the perfect combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and delicious vegetables, making it an ideal meal for any occasion! 🍲