Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of Southern Style Beef & Veggie Soup. This hearty, old-fashioned recipe is loaded with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth seasoned to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.
This classic Southern favorite is budget-friendly, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in one delicious pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling
- Packed with vegetables
- Rich, savory flavor
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect comfort food for any season
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 8–10
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) green beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup peas
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup lima beans
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per batch.
Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Stir in the thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and cover partially.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef begins to become tender.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, and any optional vegetables.
Stir well and continue simmering for another 30–35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Remove the bay leaves.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with warm cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Southern cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Crackers
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Sweet tea
Tips for Success
- Browning the beef first adds deep flavor to the broth.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes into the broth before serving.
- Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much during cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
Southern Garden Soup
Use fresh garden vegetables when they’re in season for even better flavor.
Spicy Southern Beef Soup
Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown the beef first, then place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Final Thoughts
Southern Style Beef & Veggie Soup is a timeless comfort-food classic that brings together tender beef, nourishing vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this satisfying soup is sure to become a family favorite. One bowl is never enough! 🍲❤️