Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 medium carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth; 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Tender beef chunks simmer with vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas in a rich, savory broth. Easy to prepare in your Crockpot, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that warms the soul with every spoonful.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the best results, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker—it locks in flavor and adds depth to the soup. Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they brighten the dish. If you’re short on time, chop veggies the night before. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, and taste before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a slow cooker recipe that fills your home with irresistible aromas while requiring minimal effort. This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with hearty vegetables in a broth that’s both robust and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, offering a nutritious, filling option that everyone will adore. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully!

Yield: Serves 8

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup

A rich, comforting beef and veggie soup slow-cooked to perfection in your Crockpot for an easy, hearty meal.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 bay leaf
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Kick Things Off with a Sizzle (Optional but Oh-So-Worth It): Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, pat your beef stew meat dry with paper towels—this helps it brown beautifully. Add the beef in small batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!), searing each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden and crusty. This step isn’t mandatory, but trust me, it’s like giving your soup a flavor superpower! Once done, set the beef aside on a plate.
Build the Foundation in Your Crockpot: Now, take that gorgeous seared beef (or raw beef if you skipped the searing) and gently place it into the bottom of your slow cooker. Imagine it as the cozy bed where all the other ingredients will snuggle up. This beef is the heart and soul of your soup, so give it a little love as you add it in.
Layer in the Veggie Stars: Next, it’s time for the vegetables to join the party! Add your sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped onion right on top of the beef. Picture these goodies soaking up all that rich, meaty flavor as they cook low and slow. Spread them out evenly so every bite of soup has a perfect veggie balance.

Sprinkle in the Flavor Boosters: Grab your minced garlic, fresh thyme, and that single bay leaf—these are your secret weapons for a soup that sings with flavor. Sprinkle the garlic and thyme over the veggies, then tuck the bay leaf in like a little treasure waiting to infuse the broth with its subtle magic. It’s these details that make this dish unforgettable!
Flood It with Broth: Slowly pour all 6 cups of beef broth over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Watch as it fills the pot, covering everything in a warm, savory bath. This broth is the glue that ties every ingredient together, so make sure it reaches all the corners—everything should be happily swimming in it.
Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic: Pop the lid on your Crockpot, set it to low for 8 hours (perfect for a lazy day) or high for 4 hours if you’re craving soup sooner. Then, walk away! Let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the most drool-worthy aroma. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest.

Add a Pop of Green: About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, lift the lid and stir in the frozen peas. These little green gems add a burst of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness. Give it a gentle stir so they’re evenly distributed, then pop the lid back on to let them warm through without overcooking.
Fine-Tune the Flavor: When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bay leaf—it’s done its job and can take a bow. Grab a spoon and taste your creation. Does it need a pinch of salt? A dash of pepper? This is your moment to make it perfect, so adjust the seasoning until it’s just right for you and your crew.
Dish It Up with Flair: Get your favorite soup bowls ready and ladle this steaming, hearty goodness into them. The beef will be fork-tender, the veggies soft and flavorful—it’s a sight to behold! Serve it alongside some crusty bread for dipping, or let it shine on its own. Either way, it’s a bowl of pure comfort.

Bask in the Delicious Rewards: Pull up a chair, take a deep breath of that incredible soup aroma, and dig in. You’ve created something truly special with minimal fuss, and now it’s time to enjoy every spoonful. Pat yourself on the back—this is slow cooker perfection, and you made it happen!

Notes

Searing the beef is optional but highly recommended for richer flavor.
If the soup thickens too much after storing, add a splash of broth when reheating.

Fresh thyme makes a big difference, but dried thyme (½ tsp) works in a pinch.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 352Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 112mgSodium 818mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 42g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

The beef stew meat is the star—choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and flavor that shines after hours of slow cooking. Carrots and potatoes provide natural sweetness and heartiness, while peas add a pop of color and texture. Onions and garlic build a savory base, and the beef broth ties it all together with its rich, meaty depth. Fresh thyme elevates the dish with an earthy note, and a bay leaf adds subtle warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

Switch up the veggies—try parsnips or turnips for a twist, or add green beans instead of peas. For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. Swap beef for lamb if you’re feeling adventurous, or use vegetable broth and extra beans for a vegetarian version. Add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor profile.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup freezes beautifully—portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.