When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. This hearty slow cooker beef vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of beef with a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Imagine the aroma of savory beef simmering together with carrots, potatoes, and green beans, filling your kitchen as it cooks. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to go about your day while it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal. It’s the epitome of ‘set it and forget it’ cooking, leaving you free to enjoy your time.
This recipe invites you to customize it to your taste—add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a delightful balance of flavors, making this beef vegetable soup a true delight.
Embracing the Comfort of Soup
When the temperatures drop, the allure of a warm bowl of soup becomes irresistible. This beef vegetable soup not only serves as a nourishing meal but also evokes feelings of warmth and coziness.
The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich broth creates a culinary experience that touches the heart. Each spoonful is reminiscent of home-cooked meals, making it the quintessential dish for chilly evenings.
The Richness of Ingredients
This soup boasts a selection of hearty ingredients that come together beautifully. With tender chunks of beef, fresh carrots, potatoes, and green beans, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
The beef is the star, providing depth to the broth, while the vegetables contribute freshness and color. The careful balance of herbs, such as thyme and basil, further enhances the overall profile, creating a dish that is satisfying in every way.
Slow Cooking: A Simple Process
One of the joys of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach, letting you attend to other tasks while the ingredients meld together.
From browning the beef to combining all the elements in the slow cooker, the process is straightforward. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a flavorful and hearty soup.
Garnishing for a Personal Touch
While the soup itself is appealing, garnishing it with fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch. A sprinkle of greenery not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Consider using a rustic wooden spoon to serve, enhancing the homey atmosphere. It’s these small details that turn a simple meal into a cherished experience.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This beef vegetable soup can stand alone as a filling meal, but pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad can elevate the dining experience. The soup’s heartiness means it’s satisfying enough without much accompaniment.
For those looking to add variety, offering a selection of toppings, such as grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream, can invite guests to customize their bowls, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Storing and Reheating for Enjoyment Later
Leftovers of this soup only get better with time, as the flavors continue to meld. Storing it properly in airtight containers allows you to enjoy it for several days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Reheating is easy, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, and the soup retains its inviting flavors. Whether for lunch or dinner, having this hearty soup on hand is a comforting prospect.
Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
This slow cooker beef vegetable soup is a rich and savory dish filled with tender beef, fresh carrots, potatoes, and green beans. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, green beans, onion, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Bay Leaf: Place the bay leaf on top of the mixture, but do not stir it in.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g