How to make Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Making Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is easy and perfect for any day you want something warm and comforting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty and delicious soup that brings back memories of home. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

1 pot roast (about 2 pounds)
2 russet potatoes, chopped
1 bag frozen seasoning blend (onions, celery, carrots)
1 bag frozen peas
1 bag frozen green beans
1 bag frozen corn
4 large carrots, chopped
1 (32 oz) container beef broth
2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed tomato soup
1 can water (from a tomato soup can)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Sear the Pot Roast: Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the pot roast in the pot when the oil is hot. Sear the roast until it is deeply browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
Deglaze the Pot: With the pot still hot, pour in the beef broth. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds flavor to your soup. Next, stir in the condensed tomato soup and the water from the empty tomato soup can. Return the browned roast to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Roast: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours. The goal here is to make the pot roast fork-tender. When ready, take the roast out, shred or chop it, and return the meat back to the pot.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the chopped potatoes, chopped carrots, and the frozen seasoning blend. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes. The vegetables should be tender when they are done.
Stir in Frozen Vegetables: Now, it’s time to add the frozen peas, green beans, and corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for 5-10 more minutes. This helps the frozen veggies heat up and blend in with the rest of the soup.
Season to Taste: Finally, taste the soup and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot in bowls, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This soup is a true comfort food classic. It warms your heart and soul on cold days and reminds you of home-cooked meals. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the savory broth creates the perfect balance of flavors. You can personalize it to your taste by adding more vegetables or adjusting the seasonings. Plus, it makes a large batch, so it’s great for feeding a family or for leftovers during the week.

Nutriments Benefits

Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the benefits:

Beef: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important minerals like iron and zinc.
Vegetables: The mixed vegetables bring a variety of vitamins and minerals. For example, potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamins A and K.
Broth: The beef broth provides hydration and additional flavor, while also containing minerals that contribute to overall health.

What to Serve With Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but you can enhance your meal experience by serving it with:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of soup and grilled cheese is always a favorite, especially for kids.
Salad: A simple green salad can add freshness and balance to the meal.

How to Store Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Storing this soup is straightforward:

Cool Down: Let the soup cool to room temperature.
Container: Transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid Overcooking: While simmering, don’t overcook the roast; keep an eye on it, so it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the roast adds flavor. It’s an essential step that should not be skipped.
Check Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor.

Variation

Feel free to customize this soup to match your preferences:

Different Meats: You can use beef stew meat or even ground beef as a substitute for the pot roast.
Add Grains: Consider adding small pasta, barley, or rice for a heartier soup.
Herbs and Spices: Try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the pot roast first, then place it in the slow cooker with the broth and tomato soup. Set it on low for 6-8 hours and add the vegetables in the last hour of cooking.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients used. Check the labels on the beef broth and tomato soup to ensure they are gluten-free.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Using fresh vegetables adds great flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh veggies may cook faster than frozen ones.

This comforting soup is sure to be a hit in your kitchen, just as it was in many homes growing up. Making it is simple, but the memories and warmth it brings are priceless. Enjoy!