If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in comfort, look no further than Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup. This is the kind of soup that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and instantly makes you feel at home. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant veggies all bobbing in a flavorful broth, each spoonful delivers both heartiness and color. Whether you’re serving it to friends on a chilly evening or making a big batch for easy lunches, Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup perfectly showcases how simple ingredients can become something absolutely soul-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup is just how accessible its ingredients are. Each component brings its own texture, flavor, or pop of color to the pot—together, they create a perfectly balanced bowl that everyone will love.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Opt for lean beef for less greasy soup, but even an 80/20 blend works fine after draining excess fat—this is the base that adds richness and heartiness.
- Onion, diced (1): Onion sweetens as it cooks and helps build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Carrots, diced (2): Carrots bring earthy sweetness and cheerful color.
- Potatoes, diced (2): Choose russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy bite that holds its shape well in the broth.
- Green beans (1 cup): Fresh or frozen will work—green beans add crunch and a burst of green.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14 oz): Tomatoes bring acidity, boost umami, and give your soup a gorgeous color.
- Beef broth (6 cups): A good, robust broth is key for bringing all the flavors together; homemade or store-bought both work.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): This blend of herbs ties everything together and adds a subtle aromatic lift.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste to highlight all the other flavors—don’t forget a final taste test before serving!
How to Make Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by grabbing a large soup pot and setting it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion together. Let the beef brown and the onion soften, stirring every now and then to break up the meat. Once the beef is fully cooked with no pink left and the onions are translucent, tilt the pot slightly and carefully spoon off any excess fat. This keeps your Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup rich but not overly greasy.
Step 2: Add the Carrots, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Into that beautifully browned beef and onion mixture, toss in the diced carrots, potatoes, the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors—you’re already halfway to a flavorful soup! Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat down so it simmers gently. This melding is where the magic starts.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Occasionally stir and check that your veggies are becoming fork-tender and your potatoes are soft but not falling apart. The broth will take on that deep, delicious color that signals everything is just about ready.
Step 4: Stir in the Green Beans
For the final flourish, add your green beans during the last 5 minutes of simmering. If you’re using fresh beans, make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces. Give the soup a gentle stir and let those beans turn bright and just-tender, keeping their lovely green color. Taste and adjust your seasoning one last time—your Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches can elevate your Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup from homey to truly memorable. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness, or try a generous grating of parmesan cheese for a savory punch. If you want a little zip, a dash of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon over each bowl does wonders.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats serving this soup alongside a thick slice of crusty bread (perfect for dunking and wiping every last bit from your bowl). A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also balances out the meal. For something extra cozy, try buttery dinner rolls or even a classic grilled cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone ladle their own bowl. If you’re hosting, serve Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup in rustic bread bowls for a wow-factor presentation. Mason jars make cute containers for meal-prepped lunches or portable servings—just be sure to include a little packet of crackers or homemade croutons alongside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored this way, Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup will last for up to 4 days without losing any of its hearty charm or deep flavors.
Freezing
Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup freezes like a dream! Simply ladle cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving about an inch for expansion. Frozen, it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick weeknight meal you can just heat and eat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your soup over gentle heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave single portions, covering loosely and stirring halfway through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to restore that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully for a lighter or vegetarian version.
What vegetables can I swap or add?
This soup is ideal for using up whatever’s in your fridge. Try swapping in peas, corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just keep the veggie pieces bite-sized and adjust simmer times as needed.
How can I thicken the soup if I prefer it less brothy?
If you like a thicker consistency, mash a few potato cubes against the side of the pot near the end of cooking and stir them back in—they’ll naturally thicken the soup without any flour or cornstarch needed.
Is Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free by nature. Just check your beef broth and seasoning mix to be sure they don’t have any added gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and onion first, then add everything but the green beans to your slow cooker and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Stir in green beans for the last 30 minutes, and you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If homemade comfort is what you’re after, you’ll fall in love with every spoonful of Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup. It’s hearty, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for sharing with friends or just curling up for a cozy night in. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised at just how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Rustic Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful rustic beef and vegetable soup that combines savory ground beef with hearty vegetables in a rich broth.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Onion:
1, diced
Carrots:
2, diced
Potatoes:
2, diced
Green Beans:
1 cup
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14 oz)
Beef Broth:
6 cups
Italian Seasoning:
1 tsp
Salt & Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the green beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 30m
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
