There’s something about a simmering pot of soup on a cold day that feels like home. The steam fogs the kitchen windows, and that rich tomato-beef aroma fills every corner. This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup tastes just like the one Grandma used to make hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor from slow-cooked beef and tender vegetables.
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Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe captures the nostalgic warmth of homemade soup with simple, reliable ingredients.
The tomato-beef broth is rich and savory, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of carrots and corn. Tender shreds of pot roast give each spoonful a comforting texture. Plus, this soup is freezer-friendly, easy to adapt, and works for both slow cooker and stovetop cooking. It’s hearty enough for dinner but simple enough for a weekday lunch.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Beef and Broth
A pot roast brings deep, meaty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture after slow cooking. The beef broth ties everything together, creating a rich and savory base that makes this soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Vegetables
Russet potatoes add body, while carrots bring natural sweetness. Frozen peas, corn, and green beans create a colorful mix of flavors and textures. A frozen seasoning blend—or chopped onions—adds that classic aromatic base without extra prep work.
Tomato Base and Seasoning
Tomato soup combined with a bit of water creates the comforting old-fashioned broth. Salt and pepper round it out, bringing a simple but balanced depth of flavor. The tomato adds acidity and richness that perfectly complements the beef.
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions
You can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen if you prefer. Replace the frozen seasoning blend with freshly chopped onions for a bolder flavor. For a thicker consistency, swap the water for another can of tomato soup it gives the broth a creamier, more concentrated texture.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
Start by seasoning your pot roast with salt and pepper. Place it in a slow cooker with half a can of beef broth and cook on LOW for about 10 hours until tender. Once it’s done, shred the meat using two forks. If you’re short on time, leftover roast or pre-cooked shredded beef works great too.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped carrots and seasoning blend (or onions) and cook until softened and fragrant. This quick sauté brings out sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor to your broth.
Step 3 – Combine and Simmer
Add the shredded beef, chopped potatoes, peas, corn, green beans, remaining broth, tomato soup, and water. Stir well. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add water if the soup becomes too thick.
Step 4 – Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. If you like your soup thicker, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. For a thinner texture, just stir in a splash of water or broth until it’s perfect.
Slow Cooker Method
For the easiest version, add all ingredients to your slow cooker at once. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, then shred the beef and stir everything together before serving. This method gives the soup even deeper flavor as the ingredients meld together slowly.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens too much after freezing, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or a simple green salad. It makes a complete meal on its own or pairs beautifully with lighter soups like creamy broccoli cheddar soup for cozy nights. Sprinkle some shredded cheese or fresh parsley on top for color and an extra boost of flavor.
Helpful Tips & Recipe Notes
– Always shred the beef for a tender, hearty texture.
– Add another can of tomato soup for a thicker, richer broth.
– Swap the frozen seasoning blend for fresh onions if you love a homemade touch.
– Keep frozen veggies on hand for easy prep any night of the week.
– This soup freezes wonderfully in individual meal portions for quick dinners later.
Nutritional Snapshot
Each 2-cup serving: 240 calories, 4g fat, 14mg cholesterol, 1205mg sodium, 40g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 12g sugar, 11g protein. Nutritional values may vary slightly based on the brands used.
FAQs
What’s the secret to a flavorful beef soup?
Use a well-marbled cut like pot roast and cook it low and slow. The fat and connective tissue break down, infusing the broth with richness.
What gives vegetable soup that depth of flavor?
A mix of sautéed aromatics and beef broth creates that deep, layered taste. Tomato soup also adds acidity, which balances the richness.
What are some common mistakes when making vegetable soup?
Overcooking the vegetables or skipping the initial sauté can make the soup taste flat. Always season gradually and taste as you go.
What is the secret ingredient for soup?
Time. Letting your soup simmer gently allows the ingredients to mingle and the flavors to deepen beautifully.
More Such Recipes
- hearty marry me chicken soup recipe
- slow cooker cowboy casserole with beef and veggies
- lemon chicken gnocchi soup for weeknight dinners
- mushroom chicken soup with earthy flavors
- comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings
- chicken taco soup with bold southwest taste

Conclusion
This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is more than just a meal it’s comfort in a bowl, bringing together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and that nostalgic tomato flavor everyone loves. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and that nostalgic tomato broth, it’s the kind of recipe that feels right every time you make it. Perfect for cold nights, meal prepping, or sharing with family, this soup is bound to become a favorite around your table. Find more cozy ideas on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.
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Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup | Hearty & Classic
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, comforting, and loaded with tender beef and hearty vegetables, this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup brings back nostalgic flavors from the family kitchen. Perfect for chilly days or make-ahead meals, this soup is as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
2 russet potatoes, chopped
1 bag frozen seasoning blend (or chopped onions)
1 bag frozen peas
1 bag frozen green beans
1 bag frozen corn
4 large carrots, chopped
1 (32 oz) container beef broth
2 (10.75 oz) cans tomato soup
1 can filled with water
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Season roast with salt and pepper.
2. Cook in a slow cooker on LOW with half a can of beef broth for 10 hours, then shred.
3. In a large pot, sauté carrots and seasoning mix in 1 tablespoon oil until soft.
4. Add shredded beef, chopped potatoes, remaining vegetables, remaining beef broth, tomato soup, water, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, adding water if needed during cooking.
Notes
Soup can be made entirely in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on LOW for 6–8 hours. Shred beef before serving.
Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
For a thicker soup, replace the water with an extra can of tomato soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (stovetop)
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Slow cooker or stovetop
- Cuisine: American comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1205mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
