The rich aroma of simmering beef, earthy vegetables, and red wine-infused broth fills your kitchen with pure comfort. This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup combines melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and golden mushrooms in a thick, savory broth that tastes like it took all day to make—but is surprisingly simple.
This recipe is a go-to for busy nights, slow weekends, and everything in between. It’s meal-prep friendly, freezer-approved, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re curling up with a warm bowl or impressing guests with rustic flavors, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1.5 tbsp olive oil, divided
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500g (1 lb) stewing beef, cut into 2/3-inch cubes
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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3 carrots, sliced
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4 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
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1 1/2 cups dry red wine (or Guinness/stout)
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1.5 cups water
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 cup frozen peas
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2 potatoes, diced
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200g (6 oz) mushrooms, halved or quartered
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1 tbsp butter (for mushrooms)
Directions:
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over high heat.
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Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches. Set aside.
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Add a little oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
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Add celery and carrots, cook for another 2 minutes.
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Stir in flour, then gradually pour in the broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
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Add wine, water, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Return beef to pot.
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Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Add potatoes and peas. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes until golden. Add them in the last 5 minutes.
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Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or cheesy garlic toast.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Kcal: 419 kcal | Servings: 5
What Makes This Soup Stand Out
What truly sets this soup apart is its incredible depth of flavor and texture. It’s not your average meat-and-vegetable medley floating in thin broth. The beef is seared aggressively to build those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pot, which in turn enrich the soup with a deeper meaty taste. That alone creates a strong foundation for the broth, but it doesn’t stop there.
By adding flour, the broth takes on a slightly thickened, velvety consistency, more like a light gravy than a traditional soup. This makes every spoonful both satisfying and hearty. And then there’s the red wine—or alternatively, Guinness or stout—which lends the kind of complexity you’d expect from a dish that’s simmered for hours, even if you’re short on time.
Unlike stews that may take all day to cook, this soup provides that same tender beef experience in a fraction of the time. It’s one of those rare dishes that can cater to both weeknight convenience and weekend indulgence.
Key Components that Build Flavor
The rich and savory profile of this dish is built on a few smart layers. The base includes the holy trinity of onion, garlic, and celery, which sauté together to create the first wave of flavor. Carrots bring subtle sweetness, while the potatoes add body and make the dish more filling. But the clever twist comes in how the mushrooms are treated.
Instead of tossing raw mushrooms into the pot, they are browned separately in butter. This caramelization adds a golden richness that simply simmered mushrooms could never achieve. Stirring them into the soup near the end ensures they don’t lose their texture and taste. It’s a simple yet impactful touch that shows the care put into every element of the soup.
Then come the herbs—bay leaves and dried thyme—adding warmth and earthiness. These are staples in hearty European soups and stews, known for their aromatic and savory profiles. Combined with the umami from tomato paste and the richness from the beef itself, the result is a full-bodied broth that’s impossible to resist.
Why Wine or Stout Elevates the Dish
The use of wine, Guinness, or stout in this soup is more than just a culinary trend—it’s a masterstroke in building flavor. Red wine brings a dry, fruity acidity that enhances the beef and balances the sweetness of the carrots. Guinness or stout, on the other hand, adds a malty, slightly bitter depth that pairs beautifully with beef. Each of these options transforms the broth from ordinary to restaurant-quality.
And for those who prefer to cook without alcohol, there are excellent substitutions such as crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients mimic the complexity brought by wine or beer while keeping the dish family-friendly.
What’s important to remember is that the alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind nothing but robust, concentrated flavor. It’s a detail that adds maturity to the dish without overpowering it.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals
One of the most attractive aspects of this soup is its make-ahead potential. It stores beautifully in the fridge for several days and freezes like a dream. In fact, like many soups and stews, it actually tastes better the next day. The flavors meld together, the beef becomes even more tender, and the broth thickens ever so slightly, making each reheated bowl more satisfying than the last.
This makes it ideal for meal prepping, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd. You can double the recipe with ease and have meals ready for the entire week or for freezing in portion-sized containers.
Versatility and Ingredient Swaps
Another bonus of this dish is its versatility. You can customize it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry. Don’t have red wine? Use beer. No mushrooms? Skip them or replace with chopped spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. Want to add more vegetables? Green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes would work beautifully. Want a more tomato-forward version? Add a can of diced tomatoes along with the paste.
You can even experiment with different herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or a dash of smoked paprika for a unique twist. The soup acts as a blank canvas—robust enough to stand on its own, but flexible enough to adapt to your preferences.
What to Serve with It
While this soup is a meal in itself, a great side dish takes it to the next level. Crusty sourdough bread, garlic toast, or Irish soda bread are perfect companions. These help soak up the delicious broth and add a nice contrast in texture. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the hearty nature of the soup.
If you’re entertaining, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flair. And of course, a glass of the same wine used in the soup wouldn’t hurt either!
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser
This recipe appeals to a wide audience, from kids to adults, thanks to its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients. Even picky eaters find joy in the tender beef and familiar vegetables. It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and nourishing without feeling like a health compromise.
It’s also a great dish for gatherings. Make a big pot, set it on the table with toppings and sides, and let everyone help themselves. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday lunch, or a cold-weather get-together, this soup never disappoints.
Health Benefits Without Compromise
Beyond its taste and versatility, this soup offers solid nutritional value. With lean protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and vitamins from the broth and herbs, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal. The broth-based nature of the dish keeps it lighter than creamy alternatives, while still feeling substantial and indulgent.
Using low-sodium broth, trimming excess fat from the beef, and adding even more vegetables can further increase the health quotient. For a low-carb version, simply omit the potatoes and add more non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Conclusion
In the world of soup recipes, this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup stands out as a truly satisfying, richly flavored, and soul-soothing meal. It strikes a perfect balance between rustic comfort and elevated taste. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just looking for a go-to winter recipe, this dish offers everything you could want: simplicity, flavor, nutrition, and flexibility.
Its aroma fills the house with cozy vibes, its taste brings people together, and its versatility ensures it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. From the first spoonful to the last, it delivers warmth, satisfaction, and the kind of homemade magic that keeps us coming back for more.