Name: My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast; 2 large carrots; 2 stalks celery; 3 medium potatoes; 1 medium onion; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 6 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 bay leaves

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My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a cherished recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This hearty soup combines tender chunks of beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this classic recipe not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart with its nostalgic flavors. With each spoonful, you can taste the love and care that goes into making it. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity; it requires minimal prep work and allows you to customize the ingredients based on what you have at hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup will become a go-to recipe in your household. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this comforting dish!

Why You’ll Love This My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Chuck Roast: Use about 1.5 pounds of boneless chuck roast for tender meat that breaks down beautifully during cooking.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness; aim for about two large ones chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Celery: Use two stalks of celery; they contribute crunchiness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Potatoes: Choose three medium potatoes; they should be peeled and diced to provide heartiness to the soup.
Onion: One medium onion adds depth; chop it finely to release its aromatic oils.
Canned Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes provides acidity; choose low-sodium options if desired.
Beef Broth: About six cups of low-sodium beef broth ensures rich flavor while keeping sodium levels manageable.
Bay Leaves: Adding two bay leaves infuses the soup with an earthy aroma; remember to remove them before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, sear the chunks of beef until browned on all sides, which should take about five minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about five minutes until they soften.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot along with diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (with juice), bay leaves, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about one hour or until the beef is tender.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the beef overnight in broth or spices

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

This My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the vegetable beef soup components in advance. Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Brown the beef beforehand and refrigerate, which saves about 30 minutes on cooking day.
Storing: Store any leftover soup in airtight containers. It will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Reheating: Reheat soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to maintain even heating. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Suggestions for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables

One common mistake when making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is overcooking the vegetables. Soft, mushy vegetables can ruin the texture of your soup. To prevent this, add heartier vegetables like carrots and potatoes first, allowing them to cook longer. Reserve delicate vegetables such as peas or green beans for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This way, they maintain their vibrant color and crispness, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your dish.

Skipping the Browning Step

Browning the beef is crucial for creating depth in My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. Many home cooks skip this step, thinking it saves time. However, browning meat helps develop complex flavors through the Maillard reaction, giving your soup a rich taste. Always use a heavy-bottomed pot and ensure it is hot enough before adding the beef. Brown the meat in batches if necessary to avoid steaming it. This simple step can elevate your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Not Using Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavors in My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. Some cooks rely solely on dried herbs, which lack vibrancy and freshness. For optimal flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme and parsley toward the end of cooking. This allows their essential oils to infuse into the soup without losing potency during long cooking times. A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving not only adds flavor but also a beautiful garnish that brightens up your dish.

Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments

Failing to adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process can lead to bland My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. It’s essential to taste your soup at various stages and tweak seasonings as needed. Start with salt and pepper early on, but remember that flavors intensify as they simmer. If you find your soup lacks flavor at the end, try adding a splash of vinegar or citrus juice for brightness. Balancing flavors will turn your soup from mediocre to amazing.

FAQs

What makes My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup special?

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup stands out because of its hearty combination of tender beef and seasonal vegetables simmered in a savory broth. The recipe often includes a mix of personal touches that families pass down through generations, making each bowl filled with nostalgia and warmth. Additionally, using quality ingredients enhances its flavor profile while filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma as it cooks.

Can I make My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup in advance?

Yes! In fact, preparing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup in advance can enhance its flavors over time as they meld together while stored in the refrigerator or freezer. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for several months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove until warmed through.

What are some variations I can try with this soup?

You can easily customize My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup by incorporating different vegetables or spices based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, adding zucchini or corn introduces new textures and flavors. You could also experiment with spices like paprika or cumin for a unique twist that complements the beef nicely without overpowering its natural taste.

How do I know when my soup is done cooking?

Knowing when My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is done comes down to both timing and texture checks. Generally, allow it to simmer for at least one hour after all ingredients are added; this gives ample time for flavors to develop and meats to tenderize fully. Check that root vegetables are fork-tender but not mushy, and ensure that beef is easily shredded with a fork—this indicates it’s ready to serve.

Conclusion for My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

In summary, making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup involves careful attention to detail at every step—from browning the beef properly to adjusting seasoning throughout cooking. Remember not to overcook your vegetables so they retain their delightful crunch and vibrant colors while using fresh herbs enhances overall flavor significantly. By avoiding common mistakes such as skipping important steps or ignoring adjustments, you can create a comforting bowl of soup that resonates with family traditions and warms every heart around your table.

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

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Author: Aimee
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a heartwarming classic that brings comfort to your table. This nourishing dish features tender chunks of beef simmered with an array of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a rich and flavorful broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its straightforward preparation and ability to be customized based on your pantry staples, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your home.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; sear beef until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).
Sauté Aromatics: Remove beef, add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Return beef to pot; add potatoes, tomatoes (with juice), bay leaves, and broth; stir well.
Simmer: Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about one hour or until beef is tender.
Season and Serve: Discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition