Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup combines the convenience of modern slow cooking with authentic old-fashioned flavors. The slow simmering allows flavors to develop and meld in ways that simply can't be rushed, creating a rich, nostalgic taste that's perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285 kcal
Meat and Aromatics
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
- 1 large onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn added in the last 30 minutes
- 1 cup frozen peas added in the last 30 minutes
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Season beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Working in batches, brown the meat on all sides – about 2-3 minutes per batch. Never overcrowd the pan.
In the same skillet with the beef drippings, add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Transfer the browned beef and sautéed aromatics to your crockpot.
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen corn and peas.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
For a thicker consistency, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the soup, then cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- This soup improves with time as flavors continue to develop. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For meal prep, chop all vegetables 1-2 days in advance and store in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice when reheating to brighten flavors.
- For a lower-calorie version, use extra-lean beef or substitute half the beef with mushrooms.
- For keto or low-carb diets, omit potatoes and corn, and increase the green vegetable content.
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 23gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3.5gSodium: 620mgPotassium: 890mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 45mgIron: 25mg
Keyword Beef Soup, Crockpot Soup, Vegetable Beef Soup, Slow Cooker Recipe, Comfort Food