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Home » Classic Southern Recipes

Published: Jan 30, 2018 · Modified: Jan 30, 2024 by Pam

Southern Vegetable Soup with Beef

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There is nothing more perfect on a cold winter day than a big bowl of homemade vegetable beef soup.

southern style vegetable beef soup in white cup.

Are  you curious what makes this vegetable beef soup southern style? The addition of one particular vegetable makes it special and makes it southern. In case you're not a fan - just hear me out.

Jump to:
  • Secret #1 for perfect vegetable beef soup
  • Secret #2 for perfect vegetable beef soup
  • This soup is so versatile
  • Easy tips for making the best old fashioned vegetable beef soup ever!
  • 📖 Recipe

Secret #1 for perfect vegetable beef soup

Okra makes a world of difference and I would never make vegetable beef soup without it. When I was a young girl, a friend's mother told me that you just couldn't make good vegetable soup without okra. She said it gave the broth "body".

In other words, if you've ever asked the question "how do you thicken vegetable beef soup?" here's your answer.

Because there are a lot of people who don't love okra I've learned over the years to disguise it, and still get that "body" in the broth of the soup. Here's how.

Just cook it a little longer until it practically falls apart. No one will realize it's actually "okra vegetable soup", but it can still work it's magic.

southern vegetable beef soup with okra in cup

Now, if you love okra, you're thinking what a shame to cook the okra until you don't know it's there. I agree with that. My personal preference is to cook it until it's done and no more, but this secret will work if you got non-okra-lovers in your midst.

On the other hand, if you're a lover of all things southern and all things fried don't miss out on our healthy version: Air Fryer Okra is still crispy and tasty but uses only a fine mist of oil.

If you're a soup lover like we are you'll want to check out our Black Bean Soup with Ham, and easy She-Crab Soup.  Italian Sausage Soup is a twist on a vegetable soup and we've given it a couple of fun southern twists.

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Secret #2 for perfect vegetable beef soup

If at all possible use homemade beef stock. It beats anything from a can or carton like a drum. And, it's a great way to use up beef bones and trimmings that would otherwise get thrown away.

We wrote a post a while back that gives detailed instructions on how to make beef stock. Be sure to check that out.

If you don't have time for making stock you can make a really good soup anyway, but do be sure to buy stock instead of broth. Do you know what the difference is between the two? Our previous post explains.

This soup is so versatile

One of the great things about making this soup is that you can use up bits of whatever vegetables you have on hand. There are certain vegetables that I always use, like the okra I mentioned above.

My typical pot of soup will have a combination of fresh, frozen and canned, but these are interchangeable, according to what you have.

I always use these vegetables in my soup:

  • tomatoes (the recipe calls for canned, but if you have fresh available even better)
  • okra (I usually have a bag in the freezer, but again, if you have fresh that's awesome)
  • onions
  • potatoes give the soup some staying power in your belly

I typically use these vegetables in my soup also:

  • lima beans
  • green beans
  • corn
  • carrots

Other veggies that would be good to add to soup:

  • cabbage
  • collard greens or kale
  • zucchini
  • peppers
  • celery
  • peas of any kind you like

If you love southern traditions like using bits and pieces to make a wonderful dish you'll want to read Southern Food Then and Now. 

white bowl filled with southern vegetable beef soup.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read our full privacy and disclosure policy. 

Easy tips for making the best old fashioned vegetable beef soup ever!

  • Cooking time for the beef will depend on the size of the beef pieces. If running short of time, the beef can be cut in pretty small pieces and they'll cook more quickly
  • Add the vegetables in order of how long it takes to cook them so the more tender vegetables don't get overcooked (except in the case of the hidden okra - see above)
  • The amount of stock is approximate. If needed you can add more, but if you run out and the vegetables aren't quite covered, add a little water. It's still a rich soup, and will be delicious

If beef isn't your thing or you just want a change of pace you can make this equally delicious and easy Chicken Vegetable Soup. It has a secret seasoning blend that makes it even easier. If you have extra vegetables left over, our Vegetable Au Gratin uses whatever you have on hand and has a cheese sauce everyone will love.

Serve it with a delicious bread like Skillet Focaccia Bread. You're not going to believe how quick and easy it is and your house will smell fabulous! Another great bread option is Asiago Cheese & Black Pepper Biscuits. 

For something even heartier you'll want to check out this Guiness Beef Stew Recipe.

For a fun and quick look at this recipe check out the Google Web Story.

📖 Recipe

square image of southern style vegetable soup in cup

Southern Vegetable Soup with Beef

Pam
What could be better on a cold winter day than a steaming bowl of vegetable beef soup?
4.94 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 6 people
Calories 238 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • ½-3/4 pound stew beef cut into bite sized pieces
  • 32-48 ounces beef stock
  • ¾ cup carrots sliced
  • 1 cup okra sliced
  • ¾ cup baby lima beans
  • 28 ounce canned tomatoes
  • ¾ cup corn frozen, fresh or canned
  • 1 cup potatoes diced
  • 8 ounce can green beans
  • 1 Tablespoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Brown onion in oil over medium heat until soft and translucent, and then set aside.
  • Brown beef in the same pot and then add beef stock to cover beef.
  • Cover and and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cover.
  • Simmer until beef is tender approximately two hours (but can vary according to the size of the beef pieces).
  • Add carrots and okra and more stock to cover. Bring back to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Add onions, lima beans and tomatoes and more stock if needed. Cook additional 10-12 minutes.
  • Add corn, potatoes and green beans, and more stock if needed. Cook until potatoes are tender. 
  • Taste for saltiness and add salt if needed.

Notes

Stock amount is approximate. If more liquid is needed to cover vegetables you can use water. 

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 18gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 1767mgPotassium: 1314mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3202IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Natalie says

    January 30, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    This soup looks and sounds delicious! I absolutely love beef soup - so hearty and comforting I can eat it every winter day. Pinned and will definitely try it soon ♥

    Reply
    • Pam says

      January 30, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks so much, Natalie! Enjoy.

      Reply
  2. Dannii says

    January 30, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    This soup looks so comforting. I love how many veggies you have been able to pack in to it too.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      February 02, 2018 at 11:01 am

      It's pretty yummy. Thanks, Dannii.

      Reply
  3. Emily says

    January 30, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    I love a great hearty soup, this looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      February 02, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Thank you, Emily!

      Reply
  4. Lizzie says

    January 30, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    That's a great tip about using okra, I'm sure it would thicken the soup up nicely! I do agree that a proper stock is so m uch better when you have the time.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      February 02, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Homemade stock is just the best!

      Reply
  5. Britt @ A Lil' Sweet, Spice, & Advice says

    January 30, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    I agree, homemade beef stock is definitely key for the most flavorful soups & stews. This looks like a bowl of comfort!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      February 02, 2018 at 11:00 am

      Thanks so much, Britt!

      Reply
  6. Erika says

    May 28, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this soup 3 or 4 times now and it’s good to the very last drop. I’m obsessed!! Even summer weather in North Carolina won’t stop me from making it again soon!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 31, 2020 at 9:38 am

      You are so sweet to let us know! Thanks, Erika!

      Reply
  7. Alison says

    August 06, 2020 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is so warm and cozy! Perfect as we enter into the autumn months.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 06, 2020 at 11:17 am

      Thanks Alison! Bring on the fall weather, right?

      Reply
  8. Katherine says

    August 06, 2020 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    This is the ultimate healthy comfort food! So many great flavors in one bowl.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 06, 2020 at 11:35 am

      Thank you, Katherine!

      Reply
  9. Beth Sachs says

    August 06, 2020 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    Such a hearty and filling soup. Perfect for colder Autumn days.

    Reply
  10. Julie says

    August 06, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    Agree! Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Can taste it with all the veggies in there.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 06, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      Thanks, Julie!

      Reply
  11. Sue says

    August 06, 2020 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    This is a perfect soup for Fall - so satisfying and full of vegetables - YUM!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 06, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      We're counting the days until cooler weather. Thanks, Sue!

      Reply
  12. Jen says

    August 25, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    I’m going to try this recipe. I just have one question first. Will the orca be slimy? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
  13. Caitlyn R. says

    August 03, 2024 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    Delicious soup and perfect blend of vegetables. I used to make this all the time and just re-discovered the recipe and will be making this weekend. 10/10

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 05, 2024 at 8:52 am

      So glad you love it!

      Reply
4.94 from 15 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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