Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This rich and flavorful vegetable beef soup makes a comforting start to a winter meal and is hearty enough to serve as a filling main course.

It's one of those recipes where leftovers get better as they rest in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.

Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

This vegetable beef soup has distinct European flavors and seasonings, starting with mirepoix as the vegetable base and ending with grated parmesan to flavor and thicken the soup.

It is also wonderfully filling and satiating. While it works as an appetizer, it's rich and hearty enough to be served as a main course, much like no-bean chili, chicken chili, or fish chowder.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Vegetable Beef Soup Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Soup Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

Here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need to make this vegetable beef soup. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

  • Olive oil: This is my favorite oil to cook with. Butter is another tasty option.
  • Vegetables: I use onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
  • Lean ground beef: I use an 85/15 mixture. A leaner mixture (90/10) should work, but then you'll need to add more oil or butter to the pan.
  • To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and a bay leaf. The rosemary is especially good here. It flavors the soup very nicely.
  • Beef broth: Store-bought is fine. I prefer to use regular broth, as I find it more flavorful than a low-sodium broth.
  • Pomi chopped tomatoes: These tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than American canned tomatoes, and they're also diced very finely, which is important for the texture of this soup.
  • Grated Parmesan: Make sure you use finely grated cheese, not coarsely shredded. This is an important ingredient - it helps thicken the soup.

Variations

  • Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Ground lamb is another option, but personally, I'm not a fan, since it has a very strong and distinctive flavor.
  • Dried thyme is an excellent addition. Sometimes I add ¼ teaspoon in addition to the other spices.
  • A teaspoon of paprika or smoked paprika adds warmth and another layer of flavor to the soup.

Vegetable Beef Soup Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

  • Cook the onions, carrots, celery, and ground beef in olive oil. Cook until the beef is no longer raw and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Break the meat up as you cook into small chunks. (Photos 1-2).
  • Add the garlic and spices and cook for one more minute. (Photo 3).
  • Stir in the beef broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 20 minutes. This is the stage that allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together and it also slightly thickens the soup. (Photos 4-5).
  • The last step is to mix in the parmesan, which works really well at thickening the soup and also flavoring it. It’s messy, though – it will coat your saucepan with a thin sticky film. It’s not difficult to scrub with warm soapy water, but I just want you to be aware of this issue. (Photo 6).
Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Expert Tips

Choosing the best tomatoes

I use Pomi chopped tomatoes in this recipe. They are imported from Italy, and they are noticeably sweeter, thicker, and less acidic than American canned diced tomatoes.

You can find them in supermarkets, at Whole Foods, and on Amazon. I highly recommend them in this recipe for the best results.

Another good Italian brand that is easier to find in regular supermarkets is Cento. In my experience, Cento Crushed Tomatoes are an acceptable alternative to Pomi chopped tomatoes.

Alternatively, you can use one (14 oz) can of American diced tomatoes, undrained, plus one (14 oz) can of plain tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes.

Adjusting the salt

This recipe relies on two packaged products that can greatly vary - tomatoes and broth. So you should definitely taste the soup before serving and see if you need to adjust anything.

I use low-sodium tomatoes (Italian brands are low in sodium) but regular (not reduced-sodium) beef broth. If you use a different combination, you might need to use less or more salt in this recipe. So taste and decide - it's the only way to get it right.

Recipe FAQs

Is vegetable beef soup chunky or smooth?

This is a chunky soup, similar to the texture of chili (such as this pumpkin chili) or curry (such as this chicken curry).

Can I make this soup with chicken broth?

Yes. Although beef broth is best, you can use chicken broth. Again, I would recommend using a salted broth if you can rather than a low-sodium one.

Can you make vegetable beef soup without potatoes?

Yes, absolutely. My recipe doesn't contain any potatoes (or pasta, for that matter).

Although potatoes would help with thickening the soup, I find that the soup comes out rich and thick, especially when you add grated parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this soup as a main course, with any of the following on the side:

  • Cheese muffins
  • Cheese biscuits
  • Almond flour bread
  • Cheese crackers
  • Cornbread

Storing Leftovers

The leftovers keep well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power, or on low heat on the stovetop.

You can also freeze this soup. I like to freeze it in mugs, then reheat them in the microwave when I feel like having something warm and comforting.

Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

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Recipe Card

Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.96 from 243 votes

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Vegetable Beef Soup

This flavorful vegetable beef soup makes a comforting start to a winter meal and is hearty enough to be served as a filling main course.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 223kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced (8 oz)
  • 2 cups carrots diced (2 large carrots, 8 oz)
  • 2 cups celery diced (8 oz)
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups beef broth (not low-sodium)
  • 26 oz Pomi chopped tomatoes
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • ½ cup Parmesan dry-grated (not shredded)

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.

  • Stir in the onions, carrots, celery, and ground beef. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

  • Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat into small chunks, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the meat is no longer raw (it can still be pink, that's OK), about 5 minutes.

  • Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for one more minute.

  • Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

  • Remove the bay leaf. Turn the heat off and stir in the parmesan. Divide the soup into bowls and serve.

Video

Notes

  • If you can't find Pomi chopped tomatoes, you can use one (14 oz) can of petite diced tomatoes (undrained) plus one (14 oz) can of tomato puree or plain tomato sauce.
  • You'll need to adjust the salt in this recipe according to the products you use. I use regular beef broth, but the Italian tomatoes I use are low in sodium. If you use reduced-sodium broth, consider adding more salt, unless the tomatoes you use are high in sodium. In short, taste and decide for yourself. 🙂
  • The parmesan is a bit messy - it creates a thin sticky film on the bottom of the saucepan. It's not difficult to scrub with warm soapy water, and the parmesan's thickening effect and amazing flavor are well worth it.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 631mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

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About the Author

Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (19) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Vegetable Beef Soup - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What gives vegetable soup that depth of flavor? ›

A squeeze of citrus, a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream, a dusting of cheese or a good chile powder, a sprinkling of some herbs or croutons — all can take a perfectly fine soup into the realm of the delectable. Even a spiral of good olive oil to finish and some coarse sea salt can do wonders.

How do I thicken my beef vegetable soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool. Add a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and whisk until it's blended smooth. Next, bring the soup to a simmer and add the mixture back to the pot. Pro tip: Don't dump in the entire mixture at once.

Why does my vegetable beef soup taste bland? ›

What do I do if my vegetable beef soup tastes bland? The best way to ensure a flavorful soup is to brown the beef and onions in the beginning. If the soup tastes bland at the end of cooking, add more spices and herbs. After adding, allow the soup to cook a little longer so the flavors to meld together.

How healthy is homemade vegetable soup? ›

Vegetable soups offer an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and flavor. Serve as a side or make them the main course – these nutrient-dense dishes are low in calories and carbs but high in satisfaction.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

What can I add to my vegetable soup to give it more flavor? ›

Soy sauce can also do that a bit -- it's richer, deeper than just adding salt, still delicious. To your baby leaves and fennel, I'd also add a bit of thyme because it's a great background note in stocks and soups. Garlic and onion (or the powder version of both) can also add depth of flavor.

How do you add richness to beef soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says.

How do I make my soup taste more beef? ›

If you are adding meat to a soup, sear or brown it in a sauté pan before you add it to the soup. This adds a deeper savory flavor to the whole soup.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

What vegetables can you not put in soup? ›

Some vegetables that don't do well in stock are:
  • Leafy green parts of carrots and celery.
  • Brassicas, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, rutabagas, collard greens, kohlrabi, and kale.
  • Artichokes.
  • Beets.
  • Potatoes and sweet potatoes.
  • Squash flesh, including winter squash and zucchini.
Apr 10, 2024

Can I put Worcestershire sauce in soup? ›

Adding Worcestershire Sauce To Soups

It will work in a broad range of dishes from your favorite French onion soup to velvety tomato bisque. It definitely does a great job of amping up the meaty flavors of a beef stew as well as giving vegetable soups a flavor lift, too.

How to spice up bland beef vegetable soup? ›

To give this vegetable beef soup more flavor, we've added a healthy dose of Italian seasoning and some Worcestershire sauce to the broth for extra depth. Make sure you're using a full-flavored beef broth for maximum deliciousness. I like to use Better Than Bouillon to make flavorful broth for my soups.

What are the healthiest vegetables to put in soup? ›

Veggies That Make Healthy, Tasty Soups
  • Cucumber. 1/14. This nutritious veggie is one of the ingredients in the cold soup called gazpacho. ...
  • Butternut Squash. 2/14. ...
  • Lentils. 3/14. ...
  • Broccoli. 4/14. ...
  • Potatoes. 5/14. ...
  • Mushrooms. 6/14. ...
  • Fresh Spring Peas. 7/14. ...
  • Dried Split Peas. 8/14.

Is it OK to eat vegetable soup everyday? ›

For those wanting a more intense regime, a vegetable soup can replace two meals a day for five to seven days without any negative side effects. Although much of the weight loss will be fluid, sometimes all we need to feel leaner and healthier is a flatter stomach and a kilo or two less on the scales.

How do you add flavor to a bland vegetable soup? ›

Roast or caramelize your vegetables before adding them to your soup to bring out their natural sweetness. Add ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, soy sauce, miso, or seaweed to enhance the flavor of your soup. Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil or thyme to add fresh flavor to your soup.

How do you add depth to vegetable broth? ›

Boost the Umami of Vegetable Broth

Soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos add great depth, but watch out for using too much—you'll end up making the stock only taste like super-salty soy. Start with about 2 teaspoons per quart and adjust from there. Remember, you can always add more.

How do you make vegetable soup not taste bland? ›

A little tomato sauce, garlic, salt, and bay leaves while cooking was Patty's recommendation. Barbara said, “I add a beef billion cube, oregano, basil and garlic.” That would definitely spice up the soup. The bullion usually adds a lot of sodium so you get a lot of salty flavor. “Six pepper, sparingly”, Laureen said.

How do you get depth in soup? ›

Craft a symphony of flavours with a diverse array of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint can elevate your soup, while spices like turmeric or smoked paprika add intriguing depth.

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