This slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any time of the year. With a mix of succulent beef stew meat and a variety of nutritious vegetables, it's a dish that's sure to satisfy your hunger and nourish your body.
The ingredients for this soup are quite common and can be found in most supermarkets. However, the beef with onion soup mix might be a bit challenging to find, so make sure to look in the soup or seasoning aisle. If it's unavailable, you can substitute with a regular beef bouillon cube and some dried onion flakes.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
beef stew meat: This is the protein base of the soup. It adds a rich, deep flavor to the soup.
whole kernel corn: Adds sweetness and a nice contrast to the other savory flavors.
green beans: They provide a bit of crunch and freshness to the soup.
carrots: They add a nice sweet note and soft texture.
potatoes: They help to thicken the soup and make it more filling.
tomatoes: They add a bit of acidity and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
beef with onion soup mix: It enhances the beef flavor and adds a savory note to the dish.
One reader, Ardath Clanton says:
This slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the meat becomes so tender. It's a hearty, comforting meal that's incredibly easy to prepare. The veggies retain their freshness, and the aroma is simply divine. It's a definite winner for busy days!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
How to prepare the slow cooker beef and vegetable soup: This involves combining the beef stew meat, whole kernel corn, green beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, beef with onion soup mix, and seasoning in the slow cooker, and stirring to combine.
How to cook in the slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for at least 6 hours. Check the consistency and add water if necessary to achieve the desired thickness.
How to serve the slow cooker beef and vegetable soup: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve, enjoying the hearty and comforting flavors.
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup
Keep warm on cold days with this hearty beef vegetable soup, with filling beef and veggies, all slow cooked in a savory tomato sauce, to tender perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbbeef stew meat,cubed
- 15¼ozwhole kernel corn,(1 can), undrained
- 15ozgreen beans,(1 can)
- 15ozcarrots with juice,(1 can)
- 15ozpotatoes with juice,(1 can), sliced
- 28oztomatoes,(1 can), crushed
- 1¼ozbeef with onion soup mix,(1 package)
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Place the meat, corn, green beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, soup mix, and salt and pepper to taste into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cook on Low for at least 6 hours. Add water, if necessary.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 310.72kcal
- Fat: 5.33g
- Saturated Fat: 1.88g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g
- Carbohydrates: 47.62g
- Fiber: 9.25g
- Sugar: 14.50g
- Protein: 23.86g
- Cholesterol: 47.63mg
- Sodium: 1162.68mg
- Calcium: 98.03mg
- Potassium: 1527.37mg
- Iron: 4.03mg
- Vitamin A: 680.63µg
- Vitamin C: 50.02mg
Technique Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
When preparing your beef stew meat, it's important to trim off any excess fat. This will prevent your soup from becoming too greasy. Additionally, if you prefer your vegetables to be more firm, consider adding them halfway through the cooking process instead of at the beginning. This will ensure they maintain some of their crunch. Lastly, don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. The flavors can change significantly during the slow cooking process.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beef and Vegetable Soup in a Slow Cooker
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Consider using pre-cut vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the slow cooker.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or complete other tasks to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a food processor: A food processor can significantly reduce the time spent on chopping and preparing ingredients for the soup.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen workspace is organized and all the necessary ingredients and tools are easily accessible to save time during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
beef stew meat - Substitute with lamb stew meat: Lamb stew meat has a similar texture and flavor to beef stew meat, and it will work well in the slow cooker soup recipe.
whole kernel corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a substitute for whole kernel corn, and it will maintain its texture and flavor during the slow cooking process.
green beans - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas can be used as a substitute for green beans, providing a similar crunch and fresh flavor to the soup.
carrots with juice - Substitute with fresh carrots: Fresh carrots can be used instead of carrots with juice, and they will add a natural sweetness to the soup.
potatoes with juice - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for potatoes with juice, adding a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture to the soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for whole tomatoes, and they will provide a similar tomato flavor and texture to the soup.
beef with onion soup mix - Substitute with homemade beef broth and onion powder: Creating a homemade beef broth and adding onion powder can replace the beef with onion soup mix, providing a rich and savory flavor to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This will not only enhance the flavors but also elevate the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate texture: To impress the culinary professionals, consider serving the soup with a side of artisanal sourdough bread. Toasted and thinly sliced, it can add a delightful crunch and depth to the dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each ingredient in the bowl, ensuring that the beef stew meat is prominently displayed alongside the vibrant vegetables. This attention to detail will demonstrate your culinary finesse.
Emphasize balance: Showcase your understanding of flavor balance by incorporating a small dish of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Encourage the diners to season the soup to their preference, highlighting your commitment to personalized dining experiences.
Artful drizzling: Before serving, consider a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze over the soup. This final touch adds a layer of complexity and elegance to the dish, demonstrating your attention to both flavor and presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Beef and Vegetable Soup in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures, making it perfect for slow-cooking soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Can opener: A device used to open metal cans, essential for accessing ingredients like canned tomatoes and vegetables.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Knife: Used for cutting and trimming the beef stew meat and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out ingredients such as soup mix, salt, and pepper.
- Slow cooker liner: Optional, but can make cleanup easier by preventing food from sticking to the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
Allow the beef and vegetable soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the best quality.
Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
To store in the refrigerator, place the airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This is ideal if you plan to consume the soup within this timeframe.
For longer storage, place the containers or bags in the freezer. The beef and vegetable soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw it more quickly, place the container or bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup is thawed.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef and Vegetable Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover beef and vegetable soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without overcooking the vegetables or beef.
Microwave method: Pour the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, then stir the soup. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
Slow cooker method: If you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in your slow cooker. Pour the soup into the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and set the temperature to low. Allow the soup to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup while you're busy with other tasks.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Thawing frozen soup: If you have frozen leftover beef and vegetable soup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, use any of the above methods to reheat the soup. If you're short on time, you can also reheat the frozen soup directly in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
Interesting Facts About Beef and Vegetable Soup
Beef and vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be easily customized with various vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Is Making Beef and Vegetable Soup in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for households. The use of beef stew meat and canned vegetables keeps the cost low, while still providing a hearty and nutritious meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Beef and Vegetable Soup Healthy?
This slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, it includes a variety of vegetables like corn, green beans, carrots, and potatoes, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The beef stew meat is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
However, there are a few concerns:
- The recipe relies on canned vegetables, which often contain added sodium
- The beef with onion soup mix likely contains high amounts of sodium and preservatives
- The cut of beef used (stew meat) can be high in saturated fat
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned to reduce sodium content
- Choose a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round, and trim any visible fat
- Replace the beef with onion soup mix with low-sodium beef broth and add your own onions and garlic for flavor
- Include additional nutrient-dense vegetables like kale, spinach, or zucchini to boost the overall nutritional value
- Use herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to add depth of flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal
By making these adjustments, you can transform this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup into a healthier, more nutrient-packed dish that still delivers on comfort and taste.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe
This slow cooker beef and vegetable soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender beef, sweet corn, crisp green beans, and flavorful carrots and potatoes creates a delicious and satisfying meal. The addition of the beef with onion soup mix adds depth of flavor, and the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully. This recipe is simple to prepare and yields a flavorful and nourishing soup that the whole family will love.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality beef stew meat and a variety of vegetables, including whole kernel corn, green beans, carrots with juice, and potatoes with juice. The addition of tomatoes and beef with onion soup mix enhances the flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and hearty soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Trust the combination of these fresh and flavorful ingredients to deliver a delicious and satisfying dish.
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