My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. This classic recipe combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting meal any day of the week. Its simplicity allows you to create a flavorful soup that can easily be stored in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this soup is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean beef, this soup offers a nutritious option for dinner without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Meal: This soup can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch to freeze for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
• Comfort Food Classic: The rich taste and aroma of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup will remind you of home-cooked meals from childhood.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ideal for tenderizing the beef over long cooking times, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Large pot: Necessary for combining all ingredients effectively and allowing enough space for simmering.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables easy and safe, speeding up your prep time.

Ingredients

For My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Protein & Broth

• 1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
• 1 (32 oz) container beef broth

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

Other Ingredients

• 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 pot roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place it in your slow cooker with half of the beef broth.
3. Cook on LOW for about 10 hours until tender, then shred with two forks.

Step 2: Sauté 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, remaining frozen vegetables, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer.
3. Cover and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

• Add water as desired while it cooks to reach your preferred soup consistency.

With these steps completed, you’ll have a delightful bowl of My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup ready to enjoy!

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 brings warmth and comfort to the table. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Classic Bowl

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture.
• Pair with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Family Style

• Offer the soup in a large pot at the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves.
• Provide bowls and spoons alongside an assortment of toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.

Meal Prep Portions

• Portion out leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Label containers with dates for quick reference in the freezer.

With a Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
• Add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and nutrition boost.

For Kids

• Present in fun, colorful bowls to make it appealing to children.
• Encourage them to add their favorite toppings like crackers or cheese sticks.

Pin this!

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

Perfecting My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup takes just a few simple tweaks. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup. Whenever possible, choose seasonal produce.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference and experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. If time permits, let it cook on low heat for an extra hour.
• Add Some Heat – If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or dicing up a jalapeño for a little kick.
• Experiment with Broth – Swap out half of the beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version while still keeping it flavorful.
• Thicken It Up – For a heartier consistency, mash some of the potatoes into the soup before serving.

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

To complement My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, consider these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Garlic Bread – This classic choice is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
2. Cheese Quesadillas – Quick and easy, these cheesy treats provide a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet and fluffy, cornbread muffins are ideal for pairing with hearty soups.
4. Coleslaw – A refreshing side that adds crunch and creaminess, balancing out the warm soup nicely.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice and veggies, these provide substance and flavor that pairs well with beef soup.
6. Pickled Vegetables – A tangy option that brightens up your meal and complements the savory flavors of the soup.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These add a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the rich soup flavors.
8. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad makes an excellent side dish that mirrors some ingredients in the soup while providing a different texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using fresh vegetables only – Frozen veggies are convenient and often retain flavor better than fresh ones. For best results, use frozen vegetables as suggested in the recipe.
• Not seasoning properly – Skipping salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Overcooking the beef – Cooking the roast too long can make it tough. Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender beef that shreds easily.
• Ignoring simmering time – Rushing through the cooking process may prevent flavors from developing. Allow the soup to simmer for at least an hour for rich and hearty flavor.
• Skipping broth – Using only water dilutes the flavor of your soup. Make sure you use beef broth as specified for a deeper taste.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This soup is packed with nostalgic flavors from childhood, combining tender beef with wholesome vegetables in a comforting broth.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

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

The total time is about 11 hours, including slow cooking the beef and simmering the soup.

What type of meat can I use instead of pot roast?

You can substitute chuck roast or any cut of beef that shreds well after cooking.

Final Thoughts

My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is versatile enough for any palate. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies for a personal touch!