Heartwarming Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Heartwarming Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, a family favorite that has stood the test of time for over two decades. Bursting with flavors, this hearty soup features tender chunks of stew beef, vibrant fresh vegetables, and rich tomato undertones that meld together beautifully as it simmers throughout the day in your crockpot. Perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family gathering, this low-fat, nutritious soup not only warms your soul but also fills your stomach without guilt. While I personally love using freshly snapped green beans for their crispness and flavor, feel free to substitute them with frozen ones as needed. For an extra boost of veggies, you can also add a pack of frozen mixed vegetables, but this recipe shines with the freshness of its ingredients. Whip up this delightful soup and enjoy its nourishing goodness just as much as I have for all these years!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
stew beef chunks
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
crushed tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
baby carrots
1 lb (whole)
celery
2 stalks (sliced with tops)
onions
2 (diced)
red potatoes
4 (diced)
water
3 cups
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
beef bouillon cubes
4 (crumbled)
corn
15 ounces (canned)
fresh green beans
2 cups (snapped and cut into 1 inch pieces (frozen is acceptable))
tomato soup
10 ounces (canned)
water
10 ounces (from the soup can)
bay leaf
1
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the stew beef chunks with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot.
2
Add the diced onions, sliced celery, diced red potatoes, baby carrots, and snapped green beans over the beef.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and corn, then add the tomato soup and the additional water (using the soup can to measure).
4
Crumble the beef bouillon cubes and add them to the mixture, along with the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf.
5
Stir all the ingredients gently until well combined, making sure the beef is submerged in the liquid.
6
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 6-8 hours or on low for 12 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.
7
Once done, remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty bowl of vegetable beef soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup?
It is a hearty, low-fat soup featuring tender stew beef, fresh vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a rich tomato base, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for large families or meal prep.
What kind of beef should I use for this soup?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stew beef chunks, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long does it take to cook the soup on the high setting?
On the high setting, the soup should cook for 6 to 8 hours.
How long does it take to cook the soup on the low setting?
On the low setting, the soup requires 12 hours of cooking time for the best flavor and tenderness.
What size crockpot is recommended for this recipe?
A 6-quart crockpot is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
No, the instructions specify to season the raw beef chunks and place them directly into the bottom of the crockpot.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, while fresh green beans are preferred for flavor, frozen ones are an acceptable substitute.
What type of potatoes are best for this soup?
The recipe specifically uses 4 diced red potatoes.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a pack of frozen mixed vegetables for an extra nutritional boost.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need a total of 3 cups of water plus an additional 10 ounces measured using the empty tomato soup can.
Is this vegetable beef soup healthy?
Yes, it is described as a low-fat, nutritious, and soul-warming meal.
What seasonings are used for the beef?
The beef chunks are seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
How many beef bouillon cubes are required?
The recipe calls for 4 crumbled beef bouillon cubes.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
The bay leaf should be removed from the crockpot before serving the soup.
What is the preparation for the celery?
You should use 2 stalks of celery, sliced including the tops.
Does the recipe use canned or fresh corn?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of canned corn.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepared?
You need 2 onions, which should be diced before adding to the crockpot.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play in this soup?
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to enhance the savory depth and flavor of the broth.
What type of tomatoes are included?
The soup uses 15 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes and 10 ounces of canned tomato soup.
Should the baby carrots be chopped?
No, the recipe specifies using 1 lb of whole baby carrots.
How large should the green bean pieces be?
Fresh green beans should be snapped and cut into 1-inch pieces.
In what order should the ingredients be added?
Beef goes first, followed by vegetables, then liquids (tomatoes, soup, water), and finally seasonings.
Is it necessary to stir the soup?
Yes, you should stir all ingredients gently before cooking to ensure the beef is submerged in the liquid.
Is this a new recipe?
No, this is a family favorite recipe that has been used for over two decades.
Can I use the soup can to measure liquid?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest using the empty tomato soup can to measure 10 ounces of water.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Common tags include soup, crockpot, comfort food, low fat, and healthy.
Can this be considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a perfect family meal.
What makes the broth rich in this recipe?
The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato soup, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich broth.
Is the beef tender when finished?
Yes, the long cooking time in the crockpot ensures the stew beef becomes very tender.