Description
This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, rich, and packed with nutritious vegetables. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients
- Beef Stew Meat (1 ½ lbs, cubed) – Tender, slow-cooked beef for rich flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For searing the beef.
- Yellow Onion (1, chopped) – Adds depth to the broth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Boosts flavor with a savory touch.
- Carrots (3, sliced) – Sweetness and color in every bite.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Enhances the soup’s texture.
- Potatoes (2 large, diced) – Hearty and filling.
- Frozen Green Beans (1 cup) – A classic veggie addition.
- Frozen Corn (¾ cup) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Brings a rich tomato base.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Deepens the flavor.
- Beef Broth (4 cups) – The flavorful liquid base.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds umami richness.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – A perfect blend of herbs.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings.
- Bay Leaf (1, optional) – Enhances the broth’s flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides (about 3–5 minutes). This adds extra depth of flavor.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are fully cooked.
Step 4: Adjust Seasonings & Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers!
Notes
- Sear the beef first – It locks in flavor and makes the soup even richer.
- Cut vegetables evenly – Ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Add frozen veggies last – If using more delicate vegetables (like peas), add them in the last 30 minutes.
- Make it thicker – Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if you want a thicker broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
- Cuisine: American