Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup

Name: Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 carrots, sliced; 3 potatoes, diced; 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut; 6 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Family Kitchen

When the chilly weather hits, I love nothing more than making a big pot of Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup. This hearty recipe combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth that warms me from the inside out. As we savor each bowl together, I can’t help but appreciate how this dish not only nourishes our bodies but also brings warmth and comfort to our family gatherings. It's a simple and satisfying meal that stirs memories of cozy evenings spent around the table.

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-27T14:22:40.106Z

Every time I make this Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup, it reminds me of how our family used to come together during winter evenings. I experimented with different vegetables and seasonings until I found the perfect balance of flavors that warms the soul. The secret is to let the beef simmer until it's tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

One tip I've found is to always use a variety of vegetables – they not only enhance the taste but also add nutritional benefits. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are my go-to choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. The result is a comforting, hearty soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, savory broth that's incredibly comforting
Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables for a balanced meal
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers all week long

The Importance of Browning the Beef

Searing the beef is a crucial step in developing depth of flavor for your Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup. When you brown the meat, the Maillard reaction occurs, creating complex flavors that will enrich the entire soup. Be sure to use a large pot to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the meat to steam instead of sear. Cook the beef in batches if necessary, aiming for a nice golden-brown crust on all sides, which usually takes around 4-5 minutes per batch over medium-high heat.

After searing, don't forget to scrape up any brown bits that stick to the bottom of the pot. These bits, known as fond, carry fantastic flavor and should be incorporated into the broth once you add the beef back in. This small detail can elevate your soup's taste significantly, resulting in a comforting bowl brimming with rich, savory notes.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The vegetables you select for this beef soup play a vital role in both flavor and nutrition. Carrots add a natural sweetness, while potatoes provide heartiness and texture. For best results, opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape well during simmering. Green beans contribute a crunchy element, offering a beautiful contrast to the tender beef. Feel free to substitute in seasonal vegetables like peas or corn for added variety, but remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, as these may require less simmering.

It's also a good practice to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. For instance, slicing the carrots into rounds and dicing the potatoes into 1-inch pieces will help them cook at the same rate as the beef, resulting in a well-balanced dish. Additionally, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall heartiness of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup is fantastic for make-ahead meals and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. If you need to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and it will last for about 3 months. Be sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

When reheating, it's best to do so on the stove over medium heat. Stir the soup occasionally to promote even warming, and you can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer. If using a microwave, stir halfway through and heat in short intervals to avoid hot spots. This soup not only retains great flavor upon reheating, but the flavors often meld and deepen even further, making it a perfect candidate for leftovers.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious and hearty soup:

Ingredients

1 lb beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut
6 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Your ingredients are ready! Now let’s get cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delightful homemade soup:

Sear the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans.

Combine and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 60 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your cozy meal!

And there you have it! A steaming bowl of homemade soup awaits.

Pro Tips

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables. You can also mix in your favorite herbs to customize this recipe to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup, consider serving it with a crusty loaf of bread. A fresh baguette or homemade sourdough pairs beautifully, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. Alternatively, you could serve the soup over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream on top can add creaminess and an extra burst of flavor.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serving the soup with a side of crusty bread topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter can elevate the entire dining experience. Additionally, pair the soup with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.

Variations to Try

While the classic Cozy Beef And Vegetable Soup recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your palate. For instance, adding cumin or smoked paprika can provide a warm, earthy flavor profile. You could also toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for extra greens and nutrition.

Additionally, if you're looking for a kick of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth after sautéing the onions and garlic. This adds complexity and richness that enhances the overall taste of the soup. If you're in the mood for a bit of sweetness, roasted butternut squash can make for a wonderful addition, bringing a unique flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or turkey, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.