If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome flavors, this Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with hearty potatoes, crisp green beans, and vibrant carrots, all swimming together in a rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of soul-soothing meal that feels like a hug from the inside, perfect for a cozy dinner any day of the week. What makes this Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe truly special is how simple, honest ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes far beyond its humble beginnings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and creating a satisfying texture and vibrant color palette. Nothing fancy here—just good, hearty components that you might already have in your kitchen.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that adds richness and a meaty depth to the soup.
- 1 onion, diced: Provides sweetness and aromatic complexity when caramelized with the beef.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
- 2 potatoes, diced: For that comforting, creamy texture that makes the soup extra filling.
- 1 cup green beans: Brings a fresh, crisp bite and a lovely green contrast right at the end.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz): Adds acidity and a bright, tangy flavor to balance the heartiness.
- 6 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together with warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to gently infuse the soup with savory, herbaceous notes.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with the diced onion. As the beef cooks, it releases its flavorful juices, while the onions soften and turn sweet. This step creates the foundational flavor of your soup. Be sure to brown the beef thoroughly but avoid overcooking it. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from turning greasy.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, toss in your diced carrots and potatoes. These vegetables need time to soften and absorb the broth’s flavor, so stirring them in early is key. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, then add the beef broth to cover everything generously. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning through the pot.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes and carrots to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The aroma at this stage will start making your kitchen smell downright irresistible.
Step 4: Stir In the Green Beans
Just before serving, stir in the fresh green beans. Since they cook quickly, adding them at the end preserves their bright color and crispness, giving your Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe a lovely texture contrast. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, and then it’ll be ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To top off this comforting soup, try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few grated Parmesan shavings. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a touch of creaminess and a burst of flavor that elevates each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, like a rustic baguette or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the savory broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast and balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprig of thyme laid across the top. If you want to get a bit playful, hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle the soup inside for a fun, edible bowl that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot and bubbly. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, since it may thicken slightly with storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you prefer a leaner protein. Just keep in mind it has a milder flavor, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning to brighten the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies such as corn, peas, or celery. Just consider cooking times so everything becomes tender but not mushy.
Is this soup good for meal prepping?
This Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prepping since it stores and reheats wonderfully, developing even deeper flavors over time.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, especially when they’re in season. Just make sure they are ripe and juicy for that natural acidity. You may need to cook a bit longer for the flavors to meld.
How do I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during cooking or add a small amount of tomato paste to enrich the broth.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and downright delicious, making it a wonderful weeknight staple or a cozy weekend treat. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again as one of your go-to comfort foods!
Print
Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting rustic beef and vegetable soup packed with ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a flavorful Italian seasoning blend, perfect for a warming meal any day.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in the diced carrots, diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors have melded together.
- Add green beans: Stir in the green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during simmering.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or corn for extra color and nutrients.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day once flavors meld further.
- Leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
