Old Fashioned Beef Vegetable Soup is a hearty, nostalgic dish rooted in traditional American home cooking. This soup combines the humble flavors of slow-simmered beef with a medley of fresh and canned vegetables, creating a rich and nourishing meal perfect for cooler days. Often found in family recipe boxes and cherished for its adaptability and wholesomeness, this dish represents a bygone era where home-cooked meals were a staple of everyday life. It’s ideal for family dinners or batch cooking, offering both comfort and nutrition. Serve with classic sides like crackers or breadsticks for a truly old-school touch.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup salad oil
- ½ cup onion (chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (chopped)
- 2 carrots (medium, sliced)
- ½ head cabbage (shredded)
- 1½ lb beef stew meat (cut into ½ inch pieces)
- 28 oz tomatoes (canned)
- 6 potatoes (medium, cubed)
- 6 cups water
- 16 oz green beans (canned)
- 8 oz baby lima beans (canned)
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp basil
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat salad oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, and cabbage.
- Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Add beef pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Potatoes
- Stir in canned tomatoes and cubed potatoes.
Step 4: Add Water and Simmer
- Pour in 6 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Add Beans and Seasoning
- Add green beans, baby lima beans, pepper, and basil.
- Stir to combine and continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot with crackers, bread sticks, or sandwiches.
Tips
- Add garlic or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
- Use frozen vegetables if canned are unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 27gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 258mgPotassium: 1678mgFiber: 10gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 3978IUVitamin C: 78mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 5mg
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